Perspective is Everything
// September 10th, 2007 // Christian Living, Sunday Recap
We are in the next to last week of our series on Colossians. We took a look at Colossians 3:1-11 this time.
In a nutshell, Paul is telling the Colossians (and us) that if Christ really is supreme in all things and we are “raised with Him”, then the way we live our lives will reflect that truth. He begins by telling us to “set our minds on things above”. I know in my own life, my current perspective has often determined how I “see” a particular situation.
Our Perspective Determines the View
The view is very different from a mountain top and a valley. You can be looking at the same territory, but they look drastically different. I remember going to Mexico City years ago on a youth missions trip. Mexico City has to be the dirtiest city on the planet, but at night standing on the rooftops it’s beautiful. Our perspective determines the view.
When we set our minds on heaven, Christ, and His glory suddenly what once seemed like a mountainous obstacle looks like a mole hill. Like looking out of a jetliner’s window at the cities below, even the tallest building looks like a plaything. You can’t help but have your faith strengthened when you mind is consumed with Him.
I’d also say the opposite is true. When we allow our minds to be consumed with the “things of earth” our problems seem bigger than life and God seems small and distant. When we are in this state of mind we respond to the trials of life with self effort, moralism and religious legalism. Because God seems distant, we think we are left to our own devices. Left to solve our woes and fill our needs ourselves. Finally, we reach the end of our strength and surrender again to Christ and His bountiful supply.
A Tree and It’s Fruit
In Col. 3:5-10 we are given two lists of sins. The first having to do with sexual immorality and covetousness. The other having to do with how we use speech as it relates to relationship and how we treat each other. Paul is making the point that this is how those outside of Christ live. These are things that we must “put off” as we put on the “new man”. Christ has set us free from bondage to sin so we don’t have to live there anymore!
I’ll sum up by telling you something I’ve heard before. I’m not sure where I heard this… probably a sermon… but I think it’s a good summation of this section in Colossians.
If we are “raised with Christ” then we should endeavor to live as He did after His resurrection (certainly not to the neglect of all He did prior):
- After His resurrection, Jesus left the tomb. So should we – we don’t live there any more. Why go back?
- After His resurrection, Jesus spent His remaining time being with and ministering to His disciples. So should we – live our lives to be with and to serve one another.
- After His resurrection, Jesus lived in supernatural power with the ability to do impossible things. So should we – with the power and the enabling of the Holy Spirit.
- After His resurrection, Jesus looked forward to heaven, knowing He would soon enough ascend there. So should we – recognizing that our citizenship is in heaven.
[tags]sin, obedience, colossians, paul, apostle paul, heaven, baptism, resurrection, Christ, supremacy, Christianity, devotion, sermon[/tags]