Colossians 3:1-11

Colossians 3:1-11

Our baptism, which is a completed act, was in a way just the beginning. Because we shared in the death and the resurrection of Christ in our baptism, we, like Christ, enjoy a post-resurrection life. This resurrection life, which we have in Christ, has significant relational implications and will result in ethical behaviors. We must avoid the mistake, of which we are often guilty and is so common, of getting behavioral issues right, thinking they will solve relational issues. That is an error of legalism. As disciples, we will have the highest ethical standards, but they are the result of our relationship with God through Christ, not the cause of it. It is never, “If I am good, God will love me, and I can love Him.” Rather, it is always, “Because God loves me and has drawn me into Him, I will want to be like Him.” Notice that the relationship in verse 1 precedes behavior in verse 2. 

Notice also that the life we live now is intimately tucked away in Christ. Our life is hidden in Christ. The important part of this picture is not so much about our life but where this life is kept. It is not in a secret box or a secure storage area, but it is kept with a person—safe, secure, and intimate.

What we are is greater than we know. There is a thin veil that separates Heaven and Earth. These two places are not as far apart as we tend to think. Heaven and earth are very close, and sometimes they overlap and intersect, as in communion, baptism, prayer, and love. This hidden life is not that far away; rather, it is near. Near because Christ is near and God is near. Right now we gain glimpses of this life; at some point these glimpses will be the norm. Right now we have those moments when we are aware that we are fully alive, but then we slip back into the lifeless doldrums. At some point these moments when we are most alive will be the norm. These are the moments when we are most profoundly aware of and living in the Father's Love. That is what being alive is: reveling in the Father's love.

“Lord, help me to live constantly in the Father’s love. AMEN”