If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1
What exactly are these ‘things that are above, where Christ is’? I think there is a ‘hint’ in verses 12 -17, after putting all the works of flesh to death within us.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
And how exactly are we to actually do these things? The things we are to ‘put on’ are very similar to what Paul talks about in Galatians 5:22-23 which is the fruit of the Spirit. In fact right before those fruit verses in Galatians are listed another long list of works of the flesh we are to do away with in our lives. So the next question comes … how exactly does one acquire the fruit of the Spirit? How does the Holy Spirit birth, groom, and grow that fruit in us? Does He just do it without us knowing? Or does He work with us showing us very specifically what we need to do … to develop those certain fruits within us? Who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit? Luke 3:16
Are there other things we are to ‘seek that are above, where Christ is’? Jesus who is now seated at His right hand is now in His heavenly Kingdom. What exactly is His Kingdom like? Jesus spoke often about His Kingdom of His Father. Shouldn’t we be seeking to imitate and bring the principles and attributes of His Heavenly Kingdom around us where we live and work — and every place we go? Again… how exactly would we be able to do that? And the answer is the same… by the very power of the Holy Spirit. His Power.. not ours. We are just to walk… with Him and obey His instructions. And we will see what He will do. Can the Holy Spirit work His power through you? Are you His conduit? Can you hear Him well enough to obey Him in the moment? Are you brave enough to step out of the boat when He asks you to? Not out of pride or stubbornness or self righteousness, but out of humble obedience … looking to Him for every step of the way? Have you asked Him how you are to bring His Kingdom to your place of work? Or are you embarrassed for people to know that you ‘know’ Jesus? Do you keep your faith under wraps online? Do you have another personality online, hiding your commitment to Him for fear of losing followers or getting flack? Who are we most fearful of offending, anonymous people you’ve never met in person … or Jesus? The only fear that is correct is the fear of the Lord.
Understanding the real magnitude of eternity … shouldn’t you be seeking those things Paul is talking about? Where does one begin? Honest, humble prayer asking for His help. And while you’re there on the ‘knees of your heart’ … ask Him to help you hear Him better.