Perspectives

Colossians 3:8-10… 8) But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9) Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10) and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (NIV)

For us to appreciate our new identity, we must develop a new mind-set, we must refocus our thinker. We must learn to concentrate our attention on eternal things. Not on things a host of folks are thinking about money, material possessions. The kind of house we live in, or the kind of car we drive, the kind of work we do; families, and on and on we go. These things are not wrong in themselves. All these earthly things are temporary, and they do not fulfill the spiritual vacuum. Yes, they do give us pleasure. But they do not give us the kind of fulfillment that provides security and true peace. You see, we can have all these things and more. But it is all just window dressing. Underneath, inside, I am still here… nothing has changed.

That is why we must have a new vision based on our new identity. Scripture teaches that a Christians new life is with Christ in God. In other words, something has happened to us in the spiritual dimension of our lives that has placed us in Christ. And there is a certain sense in which we are now dwelling in heavenly places. Classified, recognized with Christ. Therefore, we identify with him in our journey through our earthly existence. But we do this considering our heavenly citizenship. This world, this earthly place we call home is calculated in years, we are just quickly doing our business. Our true dwelling place is with Christ in God.

Things which the world thinks are important we will no longer worry about. Ambitions which dominate or drive us, the world will be powerless to touch us. Yes! We will go on using the things of the world, but we will use them in a new way. We will, for instance, think that giving is better then receiving, serving is more important than ruling, forgiving is certainly better then avenging. The Christian standard of values will be God’s not our own.

My intelligence is limited when it comes to grasping the true meaning what heaven is like. We/I somehow do not have the capacity to express that true inner feeling and assurance that comes from our newfound fellowship with Christ. There are times when we do or say things that do not measure up to heavenly standards.

Our Christian life is hidden with Christ in God. But there is a day coming when Christ will return in glory and then the Christian, whom no one recognized, will share that glory and it will be plain for all to see. Some day, and I think some day soon the verdict of eternity will reverse the verdicts of time and the judgments of God will overturn the judgments of men.

So, for you and me that means we set our mind and heart on the things which are above and not on the things of this world. We judge everything in the light of the Cross and in the light of the love which gave itself for us. In the light of that Cross the world’s wealth and ambitions and activities are seen at their true value; and the Christian is enabled to set their whole heart on the things which are above. We need to let this definition define us. We have come into union with Jesus Christ. We identify with Him, and He identifies with us. Not only does He include us in His life, but He will also include us in His ultimate victory. He loves us. He has made a place for us. Our text says, “Christ is our Life.” Having that identity has the potential to change how we see everything… To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done…

Would you pray this prayer with me…? “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have peace in my heart. I really want that peace, joy, and happiness that I long for. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will bring honor to Your Name.” Amen