The chapter begins, "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (v. 1-3). In my distracted life, it is easy to forget what has been revealed to me with regard to why I'm here. I can focus all my energy on the temporary things of this life: my job, paying bills, running errands, Bengals training camp, etc. Not that these things should be ignored, but if all my energy is focused on these things, how can I be fully focused on Christ? Now I don't think I should just be walking around oblivious to the world, chanting "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus" with total disregard for others or my earthly responsibilities. I think a focus on God would look more like continual prayer throughout the day, taking time to get to know my co-workers so I can minister to them, considering where God would have me donate money when I look at my finances, viewing everyone I encounter as either heaven or hell bound and letting my conversation flow from that.
OK, back to the verse. The KJV version of verse 1 reads "If ye then be risen in Christ..." That word "risen" in Hebrew is "mischar" which means "morning; rising in the sense of day breaking." The moment we decide to follow Christ, the Bible says we are new creatures. The sun has set on our old ways and the dawn of a new era begins. Just as each day is separate from the day before, we are completely new concerning our old selves. With this "new self" then, should have a new perspective, a new thinking that is separate from our old way. As Paul put it, we should set our minds on things above. Here's a few parallel passages that speak to our being made new in Christ - Ezekiel 11:19, Romans 6:4, 2 Cor 5:17, Galatians 6:15, Ephesians 2:15, 4:24.
Although we have this "new self," there's still a lot we need to do to realize the full potential of this new creation. I'm not talking about doing things to earn salvation, but taking active steps toward sanctification - the process of separating one's self and striving for holiness. Though we are made new, there are still some consequences and bad habits we have to deal with from our "old self." I think this is why Paul took the time to give some very straight to the point advice on striving for holiness: "put to death your members which are on earth: fornification, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness which is idolatry". We can't take on this new self while still catering to our old desires. More on this tomorrow. Grace & peace to you.
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