Col. 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Col 3:1  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 

In Chapter 2 of the book of Colossians, Paul talked about different dangers that threaten to pull us away from Christ. Now, in Chapter 3, Paul gives the solution that will help us to stay in the faith. The very first step is to seek the things above.

Paul begins with this statement: "If ye then be risen with Christ." Paul is simply showing that since they have been raised with Christ (obviously referring to the baptism, Romans 6:4), there are certain things they should strive to do. Their baptism is a burial and it also involves being raised. That rising up is a resurrection to a new life in Christ. Hence, seeking things above should and must be the aim of every one who has been raised with Christ.

Seeking the things above means we have our affections on things above (verse 2). It is laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven and not on earth (Matt. 6:19-21). What are the heavenly things we are to seek? Our Lord says: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," (Matthew 6:33).          

             

The things above are things that concern God’s kingdom and His righteousness. God’s kingdom is the church (Matthew 16:18-19). When we busy ourselves concerning the works of the church, we busy ourselves in the kingdom of God; we are laying up treasures in heaven.

What did Abraham and other ancient worthies seek? They didn’t seek earthly treasures. They sought for a heavenly country; they sought for a country that is above (Hebrews 11:13-16). Pauls says that our citizenship is in heaven, (Philippians 3:20). Since our citizenship is in heaven, he is showing to us that our country is above and not on this earth. Therefore, we should prepare ourselves to be citizens of that heavenly country; we should work towards getting there.

This seeking promotes spiritual mindedness. "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2). A Christian who earnestly desires to go to heaven will discipline himself towards getting there. He knows there are things he must do to get into heaven. He knows that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10). And, therefore, he will seek God’s righteousness (Matthew 6:33). He will seek to be righteous: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). He will seek holy living (Colossians 3:12-14).

The secret to a godly life is simple. It relies on a proper relationship with Christ. Many want to go to heaven; but few want to pay the price. Our Lord says: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).  

The cross is about suffering; not many are willing to suffer for Christ. They prefer convenient than commitment. But following Jesus is a daily affair. Christ says the Christian must take up the cross daily. It means it’s not only on Sundays. Many talk today of being dedicated to the Lord. They can teach and preach on dedication and commitment. Yet, many are not dedicated and committed to the Lord.

Paul encourages us to seek those things above. Many want to go to heaven but they are seeking it at the wrong place. A story is told of a woman who dropped her ring. She went down on her knees and kept searching for it. A few policemen passed by and helped her. An hour later and finding nothing, they asked her: “Where did you drop the ring?” she replied: “Over there but it’s too dark there; it’s brighter here.” She was searching at the wrong place.

If you want to go to heaven; seek the things above; not below!

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.