The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,
Colossians 3:1-7, “Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.
6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience,
7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them.”

Previously, in this letter, Paul has clearly examined and advocated how the Colossian believers should conduct themselves. Now, he concludes that section by noting that they should affix their minds “on things above.” What an all-inclusive instruction for every believer in every generation, regardless of where he lives or in what particular situation he finds himself.

Paul clearly shifts his thought (and that of his recipients) to a “higher level” where they will soon be and live with Christ. This is precisely how we ought to think as well; for who knows when he will slip these surly bonds of earth and take residence in heaven?

At the same time, Paul takes nothing for granted with respect to what he means. He clearly cites those sins that have membership in our earthly bodies: immorality, impurity, passion, and all. Clearly, these things that plague humanity here have been thoroughly excluded from the heavenly home above. So, while their exclusion now will serve us well on earth, they will be something of a “head start” on the believers’ home in heaven.

Even now, our natural lives influence the lives of others. Who is to say that our new life in Christ will not be of influence on the lives of others here and now? Clearly, that was Paul’s intention. It’s a challenge! But it’s a challenge we cannot afford to miss! May God bless us to that very end!

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need, until He becomes all that we have.” –Corrie ten Boom