In verses three and four of Colossians, Paul reminds us of two truths about the spiritual condition of those who are in Christ. The first thing he teaches us is we have died and are hidden in Christ. And number two, Paul says, Christ, in return, becomes our life. To be hidden in Christ is a sacred privilege we have as followers of Jesus, where we stand securely behind the glory and the accomplishments of Jesus, despite our sins and our shortcomings. In return, we choose to live humbly, understanding our need for a savior every day, and allowing that need to compel us towards faithful living and a sustainable hope.
1 Peter 1:13 also gives us the same encouragement when it says this: “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” Peter, like Paul, reminds us that this heavenly perspective supports our obedience. It helps us not slip back into our old ways again, and it reminds us to live holy because Christ is holy. It keeps us committed in a world of distraction, division, and busyness. When we begin to trust God with the way that we think and the way that we see, we can begin to trust God with the way that we should live. We are to humble ourselves before God and submit to his will.
Discussion/Reflection Questions: Does having your perspective set on Heaven change the way you respond to God’s will? Would you describe your life as being one that is humbly submitted to God?
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