Colossians 3:1-4 reads:“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

We are going to focus on specific principals from each of these verses as Paul instructs us to live by a higher standard.  As Christians we are called to a deeper walk with Christ, something we can call the resurrected life – no longer living according to the pattern of this world.  These verses call us to a higher standard of living—a life that reflects our identity in Christ. Let’s explore what it means to live the resurrected life.

Our New Identity in Christ “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

Paul begins with a reminder of our new identity. We have been raised with Christ. This is not a future promise but a present reality. Our baptism symbolizes this transformation—dying to our old selves and rising anew with Christ. Romans 6:4 states, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Because of this new identity, Paul urges us to set our hearts on things above. This means our desires, ambitions, and priorities should align with the heavenly reality where Christ reigns. The pursuits of this world—wealth, power, and prestige—should no longer captivate us. Instead, our hearts should yearn for the things of God: love, justice, mercy, and truth. As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

We are new creations and now have been given a new identity, let us set our hearts on the things above. Remember, the past no longer has a hold on us and we don’t have to live according to the identity we once had. Instead, we are free in Christ and have been set free from the things that once entangled us – what an amazing truth to meditate on today.  May you be refreshed at the start of your week and walk in this new identity. 

Remember – Jesus loves you and so do I,Pastor Will