Colossians 3:1-3 in the King James Version of the Bible says, "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."

This passage from the book of Colossians is a call to action for believers to set their minds and hearts on heavenly things rather than the things of this world. It begins with the phrase "If ye then be risen with Christ," which indicates that the readers are expected to be living their lives in accordance with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. The implication is that through their faith in Christ, believers have experienced a spiritual rebirth and are now united with Christ in his resurrection.

The passage goes on to instruct believers to "seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." This means that the focus of the believer's attention and energy should be on heavenly, eternal matters, rather than on the temporary and fleeting concerns of this world. By directing their thoughts and desires toward heavenly things, believers align themselves with the will of God and the example of Christ.

The next verse admonishes believers to "set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." This is a clear directive to prioritize spiritual matters over earthly concerns. It is a reminder that the pursuit of material wealth, status, or pleasure is ultimately empty and unfulfilling, and that true satisfaction and contentment are found in a relationship with God and a focus on eternity.

The passage concludes with the affirmation that "ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." This statement is a potent reminder of the believer's identity in Christ. Through faith in Jesus, believers have died to their old selves and have been made alive in Christ. Their lives are now hidden with Christ in God, symbolizing their security and eternal connection to God through Christ.

The themes present in this passage include the supremacy of Christ, the call to holiness, and the importance of setting one's mind on heavenly things. The context of the letter to the Colossians is also significant in understanding the meaning of this passage. The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church at Colossae to combat false teachings and encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

The symbolism in this passage is rich and profound. The idea of being risen with Christ speaks to the believer's newness of life and their identification with Christ's resurrection. The image of Christ sitting at the right hand of God emphasizes his exalted position and authority. Setting one's affection on things above symbolizes a deliberate choice to prioritize spiritual matters over earthly concerns. The imagery of being hidden with Christ in God conveys the believer's security and eternal connection to God through their union with Christ.

In conclusion, Colossians 3:1-3 is a powerful exhortation for believers to set their minds and hearts on the things of God and to prioritize spiritual matters over earthly concerns. It emphasizes the believer's identity in Christ and their union with him in his resurrection. The themes of holiness, the supremacy of Christ, and the call to focus on eternal matters are central to this passage, making it a compelling and meaningful exhortation for believers in any age.