We have found what our identity is based on (Col 3:3-4) and we know how we should act in our new identity (Col 3:5-17). But why do we act like Christ? Why do we look to Him to dictate how we act and live our lives? The answer to those questions lies in the first two verses of Colossians 3,
“1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
We are raised up with Christ UP, not only from death in sin but also into a new life. We live like Christ because we have been raised through Him, to seek Him. This part of a Christian’s walk is essential. We need to understand the reason behind our actions, having an attitude of gratitude because of what Jesus has done for us.
There are some important facts that we need to recognize from this passage about Jesus that help us understand our relationship with Him. In the first part of the verse, it says that we were “raised with Him,” implying that He first came down to us. Jesus brought Himself low, humbled Himself to the position of a man so that we can empathize Him. Because of Jesus and His humility, we are able to look to Him. Without Him establishing the relationship first, we would not be able to have fellowship with Him.
Furthermore, we are called to “seek those things which are above,” calling us to focus our actions on higher things. What we do should be done for the purpose of He who called us. When we go through our walk with Christ, our actions need to align with His.
As we have recognized that we are raised with Christ, we also need to remember where Christ Jesus is now, sitting at the right hand of God. Jesus is in a place of complete power and authority, so our actions need to be done in a way that shows that we understand who Jesus is.
In verse two we should make a realization that builds off of verse one, not only are we to “seek those things which are above,” we are also called to set our minds on things above. This standard of living that we have been called to is greater than just action. We are called to have a mind that is set where Jesus is, to have a mentality that is built off of our relationship with Christ. This also shows us that Christianity is more than just a list of actions that we take so that we “look” like Christ. Christianity is an attitude of the heart and mind, a commitment not just of time and choice, but of our ideals and our reasons for the life we lead.
And as we have been called to “set your mind on things above,” the second part of this verse plays a vital role in us doing that. How can we have a mind that is set on things above if our mind is stuck here on things of the earth? We cannot; one cannot exist at the same time as the other. We are called to exhibit a shift in our identity, a shift towards God, but also a shift away from the world that we were once a part of.
Now as we have studied through these weeks in Colossians chapter 3, we should realize that God has given us powerful answers to some hard questions. We know who we are and who we should look like. Now with this study of verses one and two we know who to look to for guidance, motivation and help. Jesus is the ultimate answer to our lives, and the one to whom we should give complete control to. Let us live our lives as He would have us to live.