New Life

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God".

                                                                             Colossians 3:1-3.   NKJV

As Christians, we know that we have died with Christ. We died, were buried and risen with Christ, which our water baptism declares. Notice the little word 'If' in verse 1. Paul is challenging his readers to consider their position, it is all right saying it but, do we live it. Have we been raised to a new life in Christ? If your answer is 'Yes,' then we are to set our minds on things above not, anywhere else.

It really means, goodbye to our former life. We have been raised to new life so, we should be setting our sights on things that are above, not here on earth. We still live on the earth, that is fact but, we can cultivate heavenly ways. We need to refrain from viewing things with the natural eye and concentrate on how Jesus sees things as citizens of heaven here on earth.

Bad habits are a big hindrance, we need to deal with these things straightaway. They originate from our mind, this is why we need to set out minds on things above, and the main point here is Jesus Christ. Our thoughts condemn us therefore, we need to renew our minds Romans 12:2. This is not easy. We need to pry open these habits and loose them from our mind. This takes some time and dedication; in fact you may have had these bad habits for years so they have taken root and will not be terminated easily. 

However hard it may seem to quench these habits and desires, with Jesus' help we can gain the victory and the first part is to: "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" v2-3. As we do this, with patience and endurance we will attain a heavenly mindset. We will be thinking heavenly things, therefore, we will have a Kingdom mentality.

It is all right writing about this and discussing it, but doing it is the hard bit. Anyone who has beat a bad habit such as smoking and drinking too much alcohol, will tell you that it is an uphill struggle. However, if you want the prize then there is a need to grab hold of this by the throat until you gain the victory - and you will as long as you set you mind on things above, not on earthly things where these habits were first born.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
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