“Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
- Colossians 3:2-4
Since Jesus Christ is the Prime and the Substance then we can be assured that all of those who believe and follow Christ are Hidden!
Satan is like a prowling lone wolf. Ashen-covered and embers of fire and fear flaking off of him as he wanders the earth. He smells the ground and searches the world for those who are not hidden. Looking for those who embrace the world.
Those who Embrace:
Even as believers though, we can still be those who embrace the world. Paul warns them:
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”
- Colossians 3:5-10
These are various things that not only bring division between us and God but further are things that divide relationships and community. All these things make God’s justice flair and heart mourn. Yes, I believe Scripture presents God as one who mourns for His wayward creations that were once very good in His eyes. That’s why when one becomes saved and turns to His grace, they are hidden in God.
It sadly is just the way of the world though. Why does it surprise us when the world makes choices that fall into any one of the things listed in the verses above? It’s all the more saddening though when a believer falls into them. Narcissistic pastors, power-hungry elders, judgmental Christians, and gossip-filled small groups. While I know there are many pastors, elders, Christians, and small groups that that is not true of, there are some people who have only experienced that in the church. People who have been hurt by churches and meeting those who fall short.
To the one who is hurt, I’m sorry, but please pursue Christ first and keep it up if you are doing that, and further seek a church that can be a place of healing. To those who feel trapped in some of the things listed in Colossians 3, this makes it all the more important we work together to put to death these things and rise in the new life we have in Christ. We have great cause to live differently, and fully pursue our new life in Christ. To live our lives hidden in Him.
Those who are Hidden:
And to those who have put this part of them to death:
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving, each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
- Colossians 3:12-15
You can’t truly live and embrace the world and yet also fulfilling the things on this list. These are others-focused, self-lowering, and enduring. While the way of the world is others-fearing, self-pride, and hustling with passions. Yet, this isn’t to be about saying how much better Christians are. This is hard work, but a call to be faithful to Christ, and actively go against our fleshy nature. It’s not a comparison game, it’s a personal task to and walking with the Holy Spirit.
Then there is forgiveness, something we seem to want from others, struggle to receive from God, and refuse to give. Which is such a weird paradox! Forgiveness is most readily available from God, most easily acceptable and trustworthy! We cannot make others forgive us or even have them seek to be forgiven. Yet, what we can do is readily forgive them. Working it through where we can let go of various situations and be the makers of peace.
Above all, we are to put on love! Love is easy when we stick to those we most naturally connect with. But what about those who we are to love and yet do not naturally connect with, or even we run into conflict with? The most loving thing is to graciously work through the conflict together. The mindset of the world is to cut them off or simply move on. Love sticks around though and works things out to perfect harmony!
Those who are living and growing in these are hidden in Christ. Though Satan searches the world for them, he will never find them. Though he prowls and growls, those he hunts are safe and protected under the wings of Christ. One day the hunting will end, and Christ will return in full glory and inaugurating the Kingdom in its completion!
Final Blessing:
If we believe and are hidden, but then sin, are we then exposed? No, that would be contrary to the love of Christ! Instead, we can come readily running back to the Father in repentance, remaining hidden and secure!
Now may the Lord of Life and Redemption be with you in every step, every breath, and every heartbeat of your journey!
Comments