Colossians 3
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. – Colossians 3:1
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Earlier this week, we read Numbers 7 and 8, which continue through the preparations for Israel’s forty-year journey through the wilderness. Numbers 7 shows how God delighted in His people offering their gifts in unity. Over twelve consecutive days, the leaders of the twelve tribes presented offerings for the dedication of the altar. Though the offerings were identical in quantity and kind, God received each one and recorded them individually. He was pleased with their faithful devotion. Numbers 8 then reveals how God set apart those who served Him, calling them to purification and preparation for ministry to the LORD.
Today, how do we cleanse and prepare ourselves, and offer ourselves in unity before God? Our devotional passage begins by saying, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above… Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Christ is your life…” (vv.1–4a). The word “therefore” draws us back to the previous chapter: “Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why do you submit to its rules: ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’? These are based on human commands and teachings… Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom… but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence” (2:20–23). Paul makes it clear, countless “do nots” cannot truly deal with the desires of the flesh.
Spiritual resurrection is already a reality for believers. Paul’s exhortation is that we should “seek the things above.” Those who belong to the Lord are called to live on earth according to heavenly principles. Human rules and superficial teachings no longer define our values or shape our worldview.
Spiritual growth begins with recognising that Christ has risen and ascended, and that we have been raised with Him (v.1). Then comes the call to “set your hearts on things above” and “not on earthly things” (v.2). This does not mean withdrawing from everyday life, but recognising that we are pilgrims and sojourners on earth. We are not to be consumed by earthly concerns, but to view everything through God’s perspective, no longer bound or entangled by what is temporary.
As people who belong to the Lord, when we face life’s struggles, whether anxiety, disappointment, marriage and relationships, career, studies, parenting, or health, our goal is not merely to solve problems or escape hardship. Rather, we seek God’s light and help, asking whether the old self is being put to death, whether the new self is growing, and whether we are being drawn closer to God. Life becomes a classroom, and circumstances become teaching tools. God continually shapes us into holiness, preparing us to offer ourselves in unity, just as He shaped Israel in the wilderness.
As we enter the season of Lent, these forty days of fasting, self-denial, generosity, and repentance help cleanse our hearts as we follow Jesus’ wilderness journey. We learn to examine ourselves, experience renewal, and long to encounter God more deeply, while remembering Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. Such practices shape the “new self” to become more useful for the Lord’s purposes.
Paul continues, “You have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew… slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all” (vv.10–11). In the new humanity, earthly distinctions lose their power. Christ gathers people of different races, cultures, backgrounds, education levels, personalities, and ages into one body. Barriers are broken down, and all believers stand equal in Him.
Christ brings unity to the new humanity. “Christ is all,” and in knowing Him, we receive everything necessary for spiritual life. He is our source, our provision, and our centre. We learn to walk according to His will, just as Israel followed the LORD’s instructions in Numbers.
Reflection:
“Christian unity does not mean the absence of differing opinions, but that through the Lord’s love we can still serve together wholeheartedly despite our differences.” Do disagreements with other believers lead to open conflict or silent distance? How can you allow Christ’s love to reconcile these relationships?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the redemption accomplished through our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of His salvation, we have new life. We are no longer bound by the old self or controlled by worldly values. In Christ, we experience true unity and the heavenly grace that comes from knowing Him. Help us to seek the things above, to live lives that please You, and to offer ourselves in service to You. In the victorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.
Click to read
Earlier this week, we read Numbers 7 and 8, which continue through the preparations for Israel’s forty-year journey through the wilderness. Numbers 7 shows how God delighted in His people offering their gifts in unity. Over twelve consecutive days, the leaders of the twelve tribes presented offerings for the dedication of the altar. Though the offerings were identical in quantity and kind, God received each one and recorded them individually. He was pleased with their faithful devotion. Numbers 8 then reveals how God set apart those who served Him, calling them to purification and preparation for ministry to the LORD.
Today, how do we cleanse and prepare ourselves, and offer ourselves in unity before God? Our devotional passage begins by saying, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above… Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Christ is your life…” (vv.1–4a). The word “therefore” draws us back to the previous chapter: “Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why do you submit to its rules: ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’? These are based on human commands and teachings… Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom… but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence” (2:20–23). Paul makes it clear, countless “do nots” cannot truly deal with the desires of the flesh.
Spiritual resurrection is already a reality for believers. Paul’s exhortation is that we should “seek the things above.” Those who belong to the Lord are called to live on earth according to heavenly principles. Human rules and superficial teachings no longer define our values or shape our worldview.
Spiritual growth begins with recognising that Christ has risen and ascended, and that we have been raised with Him (v.1). Then comes the call to “set your hearts on things above” and “not on earthly things” (v.2). This does not mean withdrawing from everyday life, but recognising that we are pilgrims and sojourners on earth. We are not to be consumed by earthly concerns, but to view everything through God’s perspective, no longer bound or entangled by what is temporary.
As people who belong to the Lord, when we face life’s struggles, whether anxiety, disappointment, marriage and relationships, career, studies, parenting, or health, our goal is not merely to solve problems or escape hardship. Rather, we seek God’s light and help, asking whether the old self is being put to death, whether the new self is growing, and whether we are being drawn closer to God. Life becomes a classroom, and circumstances become teaching tools. God continually shapes us into holiness, preparing us to offer ourselves in unity, just as He shaped Israel in the wilderness.
As we enter the season of Lent, these forty days of fasting, self-denial, generosity, and repentance help cleanse our hearts as we follow Jesus’ wilderness journey. We learn to examine ourselves, experience renewal, and long to encounter God more deeply, while remembering Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. Such practices shape the “new self” to become more useful for the Lord’s purposes.
Paul continues, “You have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew… slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all” (vv.10–11). In the new humanity, earthly distinctions lose their power. Christ gathers people of different races, cultures, backgrounds, education levels, personalities, and ages into one body. Barriers are broken down, and all believers stand equal in Him.
Christ brings unity to the new humanity. “Christ is all,” and in knowing Him, we receive everything necessary for spiritual life. He is our source, our provision, and our centre. We learn to walk according to His will, just as Israel followed the LORD’s instructions in Numbers.
Reflection:
“Christian unity does not mean the absence of differing opinions, but that through the Lord’s love we can still serve together wholeheartedly despite our differences.” Do disagreements with other believers lead to open conflict or silent distance? How can you allow Christ’s love to reconcile these relationships?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the redemption accomplished through our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of His salvation, we have new life. We are no longer bound by the old self or controlled by worldly values. In Christ, we experience true unity and the heavenly grace that comes from knowing Him. Help us to seek the things above, to live lives that please You, and to offer ourselves in service to You. In the victorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.