As Christians, the declaration in Colossians 3:1-4 serves as a profound reminder of our identity and purpose in Christ. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Colossians, challenges us with the truths of our resurrection with Christ: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”

This first verse is significant in that it calls us to a new focus—an eternal perspective. To be "risen with Christ" is to be transformed through our faith and to embrace a new life tethered not to worldly pursuits but to the very heart of God. When we acknowledge that we have been raised with Christ, it changes the way we view our lives and our aspirations. Our daily lives become an expression of that resurrection reality.

Moreover, Paul commands us to "seek those things which are above." What does it mean to seek heavenly things? It means to prioritize our lives in alignment with God’s will, pursuing not earthly ambitions but those things that reflect His glory. We are invited to reflect on what holds our affections. What we seek often determines the course of our lives, our relationships, and our services. It gives us a litmus test to examine our priorities: Am I seeking the accolades of this world, or the eternal rewards that come from obedience to God? In a society that relentlessly promotes materialism and transient pleasures, Paul’s exhortation is to elevate our vision—to focus on Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God, the symbolic position of authority and divine favor.

In verse 2, Paul amplifies this thought: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." This is a call to devotion. The word “affection” suggests a heartfelt disposition, an inclination of the mind and heart towards something higher. To "set your affection" implies an intentional choice—a deliberate act of commitment. Earthly things can quickly sway our hearts: success, comfort, security, and recognition. Yet, we are reminded that these are fleeting. They cannot compare to the joy, peace, and fulfillment found in Christ. Setting our affection on heavenly things means aligning our desires and aspirations with God’s kingdom. This perspective shifts our sense of worth and achievement, allowing us to view our earthly responsibilities through the lens of eternity.

It is essential to know why we pursue such things, and verse 3 explains this beautifully: "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." Our old selves, the part of us that was enslaved to sin and the whims of this world, have been crucified with Christ. We are no longer defined by our past failures or by the fleeting values of a decaying world. Our identity is hidden in Christ; thus, the essence of who we now are is rooted in Him. This hidden life shields us from the chaos and noise of the world as we draw strength and assurance from our Savior. Our lives are intertwined with His, which provides us with both security and purpose.

Finally, verse 4 proclaims, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” This statement holds a weighty promise. The phrase "who is our life" illuminates the truth that Christ is not merely a part of our existence; He is the very essence and core of it. Our existence is found in Him. There is an assured day of revelation when Christ returns, and we will share in His glory. The life we live now, though fraught with trials, is invested in eternity. This future hope ignites a passion within us to live faithfully and set our eyes on the eternal realities of heaven.

In conclusion, Colossians 3:1-4 is a clarion call for Christians to remember the implications of the resurrection. We are alive in Christ with a divine purpose and hope. As we seek the things above and set our affections on the eternal, may our lives reflect the glory of Christ, the reason for our hope, and the source of our joy.