What Do You Seek?

“[1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” – Colossians 3:1-3

The moment you trust in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of your sins, you are saved. Your old man is killed and you are risen with Christ. Your judicial standing with God is righteous, justified, and at peace, despite the long list of sins to condemn you, due to Christ’s propitiatory sacrifice (1Co 15:1-4, Eph 1:13-14, 2:5-6, Rom 4:23-5:2, 6:5-11, 14:9, Col 2:10-13).

This identity change due to the love of Christ is the motivation to change our heart’s disposition. Colossians outlines that we are to seek those things which are above, because that’s where Christ is, and not on things on the earth. We are to set our affections on those things above.

What does this actually mean in practicality?

Let’s first understand what the “things above” are. These are those things of heavenly substance that bring you life and peace.

“[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. [9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” – Philippians 4:8-9

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” – Romans 8:6

The things that our soul craves, the things that satisfy our soul, the things that are only found in Jesus are those things above.

Next, let’s consider what it means to seek those things which are above. Seeking means to go in search for, to quest, to look for, or to endeavor to find. That’s a powerful picture. It illustrates effort and a mission, like a treasure hunter searching for a priceless treasure, which in this case, is knowing Christ (Php 3:7-11, Col 2:3).

Lastly, what does it mean to set our affections on those things above? Affections are our passions, our bent of mind, and our zeal. What we care about in our hearts and in our minds describes our affections. Earthly desires will distract us away from our purpose here on earth, while godliness with contentment is great gain. (1Ti 2:4, 6:6)

“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” – 1 Corinthians 8:3

Examine yourself and the way you spend your time. Honestly. (2Co 13:5)

Does being zealous for God and heavenly things describe you? Are you passionate about spiritual growth in yourself and others? Are you endeavoring to search God’s word for His truth? What does your time and money indicate that you value?

Is more of your time spent figuring out how to make more money, what new stuff to buy, how you look, how to spend your next vacation, or what show you are going to watch next on Netflix? Or is it spent on how to glorify God, how to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word, how to charitably give, how to edify believers in your life, or how to spread the gospel to unsaved people?

Let us consider our position in Christ and what we seek and treasure. Oftentimes our desires don’t align with who we are in Christ as a soldier-ambassador-minister-saint seated in heavenly places: we are broken and need our minds to be transformed and renewed (Rom 12:1-2).

Set some time aside every day to study God’s word to renew your broken mind, in order to be an approved workman that is not ashamed (2Ti 2:15). This will transform you so that you can understand who you are in Christ, walk in life and peace, and glorify God in the process.