Colossians 3:1-2 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." These two verses are part of a larger passage in the New Testament epistle of Colossians. This particular section of the epistle focuses on the believer's new life in Christ and the need to focus on heavenly rather than earthly things.

The book of Colossians was written by the apostle Paul to the Christian community in the ancient city of Colossae. Paul had never visited this church, but he had learned of their faith through another Christian named Epaphras. One of the main reasons why Paul wrote this letter was to address the false teachings that were threatening the Colossian church. These false teachings included a mixture of Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and mysticism. Paul wanted to emphasize the sufficiency of Christ and the danger of being led astray by these deceptive teachings.

In Colossians 3:1-2, Paul is addressing the Colossian believers who have been united with Christ through their faith. He urges them to seek the things that are "above" rather than the things on the earth. This is a call for the believers to focus their attention on spiritual matters and to have an eternal perspective. By "above," Paul is referring to the heavenly realms where Christ is exalted at the right hand of God. This exhortation to seek heavenly things reflects the theme of placing one's ultimate allegiance and longing on the things of God rather than the things of this world.

The first verse begins with the conditional clause, "If ye then be risen with Christ." This statement reflects the believer's spiritual union with Christ. Through faith in Christ's death and resurrection, believers are made new and are united with Christ in His resurrection life. This spiritual reality is the basis for Paul's exhortation to seek the things that are above. The believer's new identity in Christ shapes their new desires and priorities, leading them to prioritize heavenly matters over earthly ones.

The command to "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" in verse 2 emphasizes the need for a deliberate and sustained focus on heavenly things. The word "affection" can also be translated as "mind" or "thoughts," indicating that our entire mindset should be directed towards heavenly things. This doesn't mean that believers are to neglect their earthly responsibilities, but rather, they are to view them from an eternal perspective. The things of the earth are temporary and passing, while the things of heaven are eternal and imperishable.

This passage also provides a contrast between the heavenly and earthly realms. The "things above" represent the spiritual and eternal realities that are found in Christ, while the "things on the earth" represent the temporal and fleeting concerns of this world. The believer is called to prioritize the former over the latter, recognizing that their true citizenship and ultimate destiny are in heaven.

In addition to the themes of heavenly-mindedness and spiritual priorities, Colossians 3:1-2 also contains symbolic significance. The image of Christ sitting at the right hand of God symbolizes His exalted position and authority. It signifies that Christ has completed His earthly work and is now reigning in glory. This serves as a reminder to the believers that their focus should be on the exalted Christ and His work on their behalf, rather than on the fleeting pursuits of this world.

Overall, Colossians 3:1-2 serves as a timely reminder for believers to align their affections and priorities with the things of God rather than the things of this world. By seeking the things that are above and setting their minds on heavenly realities, believers can experience the transformative power of Christ in their lives and live in a manner that honors Him. This passage continues to speak to Christians today, urging them to fix their gaze on Christ and the eternal kingdom that is to come.