Living Beyond the Horizon: A Devotional on Colossians 3:1-17
"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. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." - Colossians 3:1-17
In the heart of Paul's letter to the Colossians lies a powerful invitation that transcends time, culture, and personal struggle—a spiritual elevation that encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective. Colossians 3:1-17 serves as a clarion call: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” What a profound challenge we receive here! The idea is clear: if we claim Christ as our risen Savior, our priorities, intentions, and affections must reflect this new life.
Too often, we become enamored with the temporal delights of this world, seeking fulfillment in sights and sounds that fade away. Yet, Paul admirably redirects our focus: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” As followers of Christ, our hearts should yearn for that which is eternal, for our identities are anchored in heaven—not merely in daily struggles, societal expectations, or momentary achievements. For “ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” This is a humbling reminder that our earthly existence is now intertwined with the divine. When Christ returns, we will also share in His glorious revelation.
But what does it mean to seek things above? It involves a conscious effort to surrender habits and mindsets that do not glorify God. In verses 5-9, Paul lists specific attitudes and actions we must mortify: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, and more. He highlights that these are not just mere mistakes but deep-seated issues that invoke God’s wrath upon unrighteousness. Reflectively, we must ask ourselves: What binds us to this world? What sins or attachments do we still cling to? The call to “put off” these elements is not just a requirement; it is an invitation to freedom.
Transcending the ordinary requires a conscious choice to embrace what God desires for us. In this view, moral transformation results from our identity in Christ. To “put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:10), signifies a rebirth that embraces grace, wisdom, and a clear understanding of our divine purpose. Unity in Christ reveals a community where distinctions—racial, cultural, or social—fade into insignificance. “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision…” implies a radical inclusivity that comes with being “in Christ.”
What does this look like on a practical level? Paul encourages us with practical virtues to embody as God’s elect. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” It is not enough to merely refrain from sin; we must actively cultivate godly attributes, allowing the nature of Christ to mold our interactions. Particularly, the call to “forbear” and “forgive” serves as a potent reminder of grace in action. The model for our forgiveness is Jesus Himself, who, despite our wrongs, chose to die for us.
Above all virtues, Paul highlights charity, the love that binds us perfectly. It is a love rooted in God’s character and extends to our fellow believers. This love fosters peace—“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” In a world marked by turmoil, being a reflection of God’s peace offers a stark contrast and serves as a testimony of our risen lives.
As we navigate the minutiae of our daily lives, let’s apprehend Paul’s closing exhortations. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Through the Scriptures, we find the guidance, wisdom, and nourishment we need. Singing praises and glorifying God through every endeavor reinforce our hearts in praise. In “whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,” we find our purpose and mission. In every interaction, let us uphold His name, ensuring our lives reflect His glory.
In closing, Colossians 3:1-17 beckons us to rise above the mundane, to cultivate a spiritual horizon that shapes our thoughts and actions, and to thrive in unity and love as members of the body of Christ. May we reflect on these truths and ask ourselves how richly His Word dwells in us today.
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Colossians 3:1-17 Artwork
Colossians 3:1-17 - "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. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
"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. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." - Colossians 3:1-17
Colossians 1:17
Colossians 1:17
Colossians 3:13
Colossians 3:5-15
Colossians 3:12-15
Colossians 1:17 - "And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."
Colossians 3:17 - "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
Joshua 3:1-17
Colossians 3:3
Colossians 1:3 - "We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,"
"And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." - Colossians 1:17
"And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." - Colossians 1:17
Colossians 3:1 - "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."
Colossians 3:4
Colossians 3:2
Colossians 3:4
Colossians 3:2
Colossians 3:4
Colossians 3:4
Colossians 3:4
Colossians 2:17 - "Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
Colossians 3:3 - "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." - Colossians 3:1
Colossians 3:1-3 - "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. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." - Colossians 3:17
Colossians 2:3 - "In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Colossians 3:1-2 - "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."
1 corinthians 3:16-17