Priorities and Balance #4 - A New Perspective
| Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians3:1-4) |
A perspective is a vantage point - it's your point of view.
It's where you look at the world from.
It's the lens you look through.
It's the underlying reality that informs what you see and how you respond.
It's the compass that guides the direction of our steps.
Paul doesn't begin with a command - he begins with an identity.
Paul is clear about what our perspective should be.
- We were dead, but Christ has raised us to life.
- Our destination is with Christ who is seated at God's right hand.
- Our desire, longing and focus should be on "things above" not temporary earthly things.
- Christ will return and we will be with Him, leaving this world behind.
This should surely change our priorities from things that have temporal value to things that have eternal value. It should surely help us to be less trapped by the "stuff" of this world. And it will surely help us to find the balance between meeting temporary needs and making eternal investments.
I love Paul's phrasing:
"You died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
It speaks of rescue and intimacy and safety.
The world around us doesn't understand it.
Our eternal hope is "hidden" for now, but it is certain because the tomb is empty and Christ is risen, ascended and returning.
What is your current perspective?
Maybe you've been looking down too much.
It's time to remember and look up:
You were broken, sinful and unsure
and you were spiritually dead.
BUT Jesus took your life and wrapped it in His Death and Resurrection.
And you are forgiven and are destined for eternity with Him!
