Keep Seeking Christ

Colossians 3:1

If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right had of God.

The extent to which I take my new life with Christ for granted is disgusting. Not to me, mind you, but to my Lord. At some distant level I am aware that Christ died to give me life. And yet, my day-to-day activities and thoughts show no proof that I guard this knowledge close to my heart. It is this severe lack of gratification that leads to such rebukes from Christ: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth…” (Revelation 3:14-22).

I would be foolish to assume that I am alone in my sinful tendencies. Although we who are called by His name rest in the eternal security of our Heavenly Father, the flesh (sinful nature) continually tugs on us, urging us not to let go of our earthly lusts. If this were not so, Paul would have no need to remind the Colossians to “keep seeking” the things above (3:1). But he did have to remind them. And he has to remind me. And he has to remind you.

He says, “Listen! Stop dwelling on the things around you! (Galatians 5:19-21) Set your minds on the things above (Galatians 5:22, 23; Philippians 4:8). Never forget that your old self is dead! You have died with Christ – and because of this – your life is now hidden with Christ, in God. Make it your goal to dwell on what Christ has done for you today. Put a rubber band around your wrist and thank Jesus for his death every time you see it.

The more you thank Jesus for His death, the more you will appreciate it. The more you appreciate it, the less your life will need rebuking by the Lord.