Colossians 3:1

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:1 (KJV)

Context

The apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians to address false teachings that threatened the church in Colossae. In chapter 2, he warns believers against being taken captive by worldly philosophies and traditions, urging them to remain rooted in Christ. Colossians 3:1 then builds on that foundation, turning from warning to positive instruction.

Meaning

Paul begins with a conditional statement: “If ye then be risen with Christ.” This is not a doubt about the reader’s salvation but an assumption that believers have experienced spiritual resurrection through union with Christ. When a person trusts Jesus as Lord and Savior, they are made alive in Him and delivered from the power of sin and death. This spiritual resurrection marks a radical transformation, and Paul draws the logical conclusion from it: those who have been raised with Christ should seek the things that are above.

To seek those things which are above means to set one’s mind on spiritual realities and eternal truths rather than being preoccupied with earthly matters. It involves cultivating a heavenly perspective and prioritizing what aligns with God’s will and kingdom. The ground and goal of this pursuit is stated in the final clause: Christ Himself is seated at the right hand of God. This imagery points to His exalted position, honor, and authority. Having accomplished His work of redemption, Jesus now reigns and intercedes for believers, so the things that are above are centered on Him.

Application

This verse gives practical direction for daily Christian living:

• Seek a heavenly mindset: Continually renew the mind and set thoughts on heavenly things, aligning values, desires, and priorities with God’s kingdom and obeying His Word.

• Pursue Christlikeness: Because believers are united with Christ, the aim is to grow in likeness to Him, imitating His character, loving as He loved, and serving as He served.

• Fix the gaze on eternity: Earthly concerns can distract from the things of God, so believers are to invest in what has eternal value rather than being consumed by temporary pursuits.

• Rely on Christ’s authority and intercession: Knowing that Christ is seated at the right hand of God gives confidence to approach God boldly, trusting that Jesus intercedes on behalf of His people.

Reflection

Because Christ is risen and exalted, the believer’s life is anchored in Him. The same power that raised Jesus now enables His people to turn from earthly preoccupations and seek what is above. This verse calls for a deliberate, ongoing choice to live in light of Christ’s victory and presence.