“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. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1–4 (KJV)
The world is constantly pulling our attention downward—to temporary pleasures, worldly success, and fleeting concerns—Paul calls the believer to look upward. To rise above. To fix our hearts and minds on eternal realities. This is not a passive suggestion—it is a divine charge to those who are alive in Christ.
Risen with Christ
The phrase “If ye then be risen with Christ” points back to the believer’s spiritual resurrection. When we accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, we died to sin and were raised to new life (Romans 6:4). That means we no longer live for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again (2 Corinthians 5:15). Our identity is now shaped not by this earth, but by our position in Christ—already seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
If we’ve truly been raised with Christ, it should change everything—our priorities, our passions, and our perspective.
Seek What Is Above
Paul calls us to seek those things which are above, where Christ is. This is not about looking at clouds or escaping reality; it’s about seeking God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). It means longing for His will, His righteousness, and His glory in all we do.
Where is Christ? He sits at the right hand of God—the place of power, authority, and victory. So when we seek the things above, we are aligning our lives with the rule and reign of Christ. We are choosing eternal treasures over earthly trinkets.
Set Your Affection on Things Above
To “set your affection” means to fix your thoughts, desires, and will on heavenly realities. It’s not just a one-time decision—it’s a daily, intentional choice to love what God loves and value what God values.
The world offers comfort, popularity, and wealth. But all of it is temporary. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 that the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
We set our minds on heaven not to escape the world, but to live purposefully within it—transformed by a greater hope.
You Are Dead—and Yet Truly Alive
“For ye are dead…” What a striking statement! Paul is not referring to physical death, but spiritual. We have died to our old nature—our sinful desires, worldly ambitions, and self-centered identity. That part of us has been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20).
And yet, our true life—our real purpose, our eternal destiny—is “hid with Christ in God.” It is safe. It is secure. It is eternal. This hidden life may not always be understood or recognized by the world, but it is rich with divine purpose.
When Christ Appears, We Appear with Him
Paul ends this powerful passage with a future promise: “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” This is the blessed hope of every believer—Christ will return, and we will be with Him forever.
Not only will we see Him in His glory, but we shall be glorified with Him (Romans 8:17). All the struggles and sacrifices of living with heaven in view will be worth it on that day.
Final Thoughts
To live as a risen one is to walk by faith, not by sight. It’s to set your heart where Christ is, not where the world drifts. It’s to find your life, not in personal achievement or earthly gain, but in the One who gave His life for you.
Let today be a reminder: You are risen. You are hidden. And you are destined for glory. So seek the things above—and live with heaven in view.
“Christ, who is our life…” Let Him be your reason, your joy, your treasure. Always.