by Pastor Dennis

Reflections on Colossians 2:20-3:4

“You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

From time to time I hear people say, usually in an argument, “Where are your priorities”? This comes at a time when one person can not understand what the other person means or what values they place on what they are discussing. Confusion usually arises, because the other person has preconceived notions of what the other person should say and the discussion is not going that way. Unless each person listens to what and how they respond to questions, communications usually breaks down.

The Apostle Paul is pressing an issue with the people who are listening to him. They are all wound up in the teachings that have been passed down through the generations. They do not want to offend any of their ancestors, so they continue on a course of faith that was given to them. But for Paul, things are now different. God’s Messiah came into this world to fulfill the law. He died on the cross as the last great sacrifice for the sins of all people. No longer are people bound by the law, but set free to live as God directs and are heaven bound forever. Paul wanted people to not grieve what they could or didn’t have in this world, but know than heavens gates were open to them.

In your life, what are your priorities? Is it to receive that promotion no matter what or to appreciate what you have and use it to the best of your ability? Is it to worry about earthly matters or feel released to look heavenward, knowing that an eternal place is set for you? Is it to grab all you can get in this world or know that your life is rich standing in God’s presence forever? Once you answer these questions for yourself, you will know the extent of your worries or peaceful feelings that are experiencing today.

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