Living a Christian life in a sinful world is not easy. It is easy to get caught up with all of the lusts of this world, temptations, riches, and everything this fallen world has to offer. The world has become very appealing to us, and we need help to keep the proper perspective as believers in Jesus Christ. What is the answer, and how can I overcome it?
Colossians 3:1-4 says, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
This passage gives us three key ways to overcome the pull of this world and live as one transformed in Christ.
The first key to overcoming the world’s pull is to actively seek the things that are above, where Christ is. This means to search out all that is above where Christ is seated. If we are renewed in Christ and hidden in Him, then we are to seek those things. Instead of chasing after worldly wealth, lusts, and gains, we are to focus on the things of the kingdom of heaven. This is our new dwelling place. Seeking it is a way to build our relationship with Christ where He is.
Secondly, it is to set your mind on things above—not only to seek but to set your mind there. No longer set your mind on the earth with worldly thoughts, discouraging thoughts, treasures of the world, etc. Instead, focus on the things of the Kingdom of God, which are righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).
Thirdly, we must remember that a death has occurred in us according to v3. We have died, and our life is now hidden in Christ. We are dead to the world and no longer citizens of it. Instead, we have been raised with Christ in His Kingdom.
We are to be submissive to the Lordship of Christ because now we are united with Him and hidden in Him, which means that we are secure with Him. He gives us the strength, instruction, and power to live in a manner pleasing to Him.
As a result, when you read further down, we are instructed to put off the old self and put on the new.
Colossians 3:5-10 says, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
To truly overcome the world, we must continually seek and set our minds on things that are above. We are to walk in the world as citizens of the Kingdom of God, ambassadors and representatives of Christ. We are to put off the old self, with its worldly practices and put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator.
