Read Slowly. Read with purpose. Don’t rush.

Colossians 3:1, written by the Apostle Paul, says:
“Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (NET).

There is great depth to the person of Christ, therefore, there is no limit to our growth. I would say, “the sky is the limit,” but there is no limit. Our goal is reflecting God Himself. We are honored among all created beings on earth to be made in the likeness of God. Paul in Colossians chapter 3 tells us to seek after all that means because that is just what Christ’s cross set us free to do.

Here is Colossians 3:1, written by the Apostle Paul, again:
“Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (NET).

There seems to be a twofold result in fixing our eyes on Christ:
#1 growing in His likeness
#2 the putting to death of sin

Are we doing either of those things?

On the one hand, we follow Christ’s teaching as revealed in the Bible in harmony with the leading of the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, we put to death anything that does not look like Jesus. We need to prune it all off like dead leaves on a plant. Yes, anything that thwarts intimacy with God goes out with the trash. Of course, we tend to need a learning curve in baring this out in reality.

Under the grace, discipline, and conviction of God, we can walk the narrow way.

We should have our minds on things that are above. The idea is not to escape our duties and stewardship on earth, but rather to orderly as does God’s family in heaven play out our family roles with love and respect here on earth. We should always with thankfulness to God act this way, not only as individuals but as families as well.

Paul thinks this way as we can see in Colossians 3:18-25 which speaks for itself:
“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.”

Know what these words mean:
Submit
Fitting
Harsh
Obey
Embitter
Reverence
Favoritism

I do think the section speaks for itself, but let me highlight some of the words.
For the Wives: “As is fitting in the Lord”
For the Husbands: “Do not be harsh”
For the Children: “In everything”
For the Fathers, “Will become discouraged”
For the slaves: “It is the Lord you are serving”
For us all: “There is no favoritism”

BMD