“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”
– Colossians 3:1-4 NASB
Many times, the word “therefore” is used in the Scriptures to signify an upcoming summary statement, as it is here. After speaking to the Colossians of all the fallacies in the false teacher’s doctrines of legalism, philosophy, and asceticism, Paul now directs them exactly (“therefore”) where to look.
Rather than gaze horizontally and embrace man-made ordinances for their spiritual growth and life, they were to look vertically to where Christ had been raised. Because they were raised with Christ in their salvation; “therefore,” they were to seek and set their mind on the life that is above rather than on dead earthly things below.
To seek is the practical striving to the inward disposition of setting your mind on the things above; that is, setting your mind on Christ Jesus.
Thus, we simply don’t conjure up thoughts about Christ every now and again. Rather, we practically work out that thinking readily. For an example, we just don’t occasionally think about the Scripture when in need, we get the Bible out and read it regularly.
Paul then gave the Colossians a motto to live by: Christ, who is your life.
Notice it’s not your life with Christ, but Christ who is your life. Eternal life is not some abstract heavenly substance buried in our pocket to be used later. Rather, eternal life is in the person Christ Jesus and we are buried in Him now!
“Therefore” seek Him, set your heart and mind on Him, stay hidden in Him, live each day the way you want to be remembered…and when He appears, the second time without sin unto salvation, you will appear with Him in glory!
