In a world filled with distractions, temptations, and a focus on material possessions, the apostle Paul offers a profound exhortation to the believers in Colossae in his letter to the Colossians. Quoting from Colossians 3:1-2, we find two imperative commands that resonate deeply within our spiritual journey: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

These verses encapsulate the essence of the Christian life—an invitation to elevate our thoughts, desires, and pursuits beyond the transient and often misleading pleasures of this world.

### **Risen with Christ**

Paul begins with a powerful declaration: "If ye then be risen with Christ." The phrase 'risen with Christ' speaks to the transformative consequence of our faith. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are not merely forgiven; we are co-crucified and co-resurrected with Him (Romans 6:4). This resurrection life we now possess is not one that merely secures our eternal future but also empowers our present existence.

To be 'risen' means we have a new identity in Christ; we are no longer bound by the chains of sin or defined by the struggles of our earthly existence. Instead, we are called to embrace the reality of our resurrection; there is a spiritual shift that takes place within us, urging us to rise above worldly concerns and seek a higher way of living.

### **Seek Those Things Which Are Above**

The command to "seek those things which are above" is not passive; it is an active pursuit. Just as our bodies require habitual nourishment, so do our souls crave the things that God offers from His heavenly realm. The question then arises—what does it mean to seek these things?

Seeking heavenly things may involve devoting time to prayer, diving into God’s Word, and meditating on His promises. It requires intentionality in our daily lives; we must focus on attributes such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control—the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). We are encouraged to cultivate our walk with God, fostering a relationship that aligns with His heart.

To seek the things above means desiring His will for our lives, which may mean letting go of personal ambitions and aspirations that contradict His purpose. It’s a surrendering of our earthly vision to gain a heavenly perspective, understanding that our true home is not here but eternally secured in heaven.

### **Setting Our Affection**

Next, Paul continues with a vital exhortation: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Our affections indicate where our hearts are anchored. The things we love shape our behavior, our priorities, and ultimately, our legacy.

Setting our affections on things above demands reassessment of what influences us daily. It challenges us to evaluate our entertainment, our conversations, our relationships, and our ambitions. Are they drawing us closer to God, fostering spiritual growth, or stagnating our pursuit of holiness?

In an age where social media and materialism often rule our hearts, we must resist the cultural pull to conform. To set our affections means to deliberately align our emotions and desires with God’s truth and character. It’s about cultivating a deep love for what God loves—compassion for the helpless, a desire for justice, a hunger for righteousness, and an unyielding passion for His Word.

### **Living in the Light of Eternity**

As we immerse ourselves in the reality of being risen with Christ and actively seek and set our affections on the things above, we begin to live in alignment with the eternal perspective of God’s Kingdom. We can release the grasp of worldly distractions and confidently embrace our heavenly calling.

Therefore, let us be encouraged today to live out Colossians 3:1-2, embracing our identity in Christ and seeking those profound truths that lift us into a life of holiness, hope, and divine purpose. Our time on Earth is short compared to eternity; let’s invest our lives in those things that will matter forever, transforming our hearts and the world around us with His love.