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God First, Man Second: Colossians 3:1-4

Each Monday I start my week out by looking at a few verses from the Bible and answering two questions. First, what do these verses say about God? Second, what do these verses say about us? In case this is your first Monday on my site, I'll let you in on a little secret. I believe the order that we ask tthose two questions is very important.


 1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. ~Colossians 3:1-4


Right away I get the idea that Christ is the subject. Why? Because Paul, the writer of Colossians, says we have been raised with Christ. He is the focus. To assume otherwise would be like telling your friend that you went to see Justin Bieber in concert and wondering why he didn't start asking questions about how loudly the crowd cheered for you. So not only did you just admit to being a Belieber, you probably just lost a friend.

We also read that Christ is our life. That kind of puts a whole new spin on getting a life, doesn't it? Because God has yours. Plus it also makes asking what these verses say about us pointless. Our life is now hidden. It's like playing peek-a-boo, but when you move your hands, all the baby sees is Jesus.

That's not a raw deal, by the way. We have been raised with Christ and we will appear with Him in glory. That's a two-for! Oh, and God remains the subject.

So let's talk about hiding. When have you wanted to hide from God? And when were you glad to hide behind Him?
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