If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  (2) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  (3) For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  (4) When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul.  As is fitting for Easter Sunday,  our verses begin “if then you were raised with Christ”.  For the believers this could read SINCE then you were raised with Christ.  Paul is telling the Colossians and all who believe that with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, salvation happened.  We have been made right with God. The moment we became a believer we were risen with Christ.  In these verses, Paul writes:  raised with Christ…….where Christ is……hidden with Christ…..When Christ who is our life – the glorious point is clear:  Christ is everything.

Since the faithful are saved, they have the responsibility to continue seeking those things not of this world:  where our treasure is so shall our hearts be. Our faith will direct our actions and our behavior. We are to be a light to this world.

To contrast the life we are to lead, I want to quote C.S Lewis from his work, The Problem of pain where he concludes the end of those who do not seek God:  “I willingly believe that the damned are, in one sense, successful rebels to the end;  that the doors of hell are locked on the inside….In the long run the answer to all those who object to the doctrine of hell is itself a question:  What are you asking God to do?”  To wipe out their past sins and, at all costs, to give them a fresh start, smoothing every difficulty and offering every miraculous help?  But He has done so, on Calvary. To forgive them?  They will not be forgiven.  To leave them alone?  Alas, I am afraid that is what He does.”