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What on earth does it mean to be in Christ?

What are the implications of this inclusion?

Colossians 3:1-4 NLT Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

The picture that comes to mind is that of those Russian nesting dolls. At first appearance, you see only one doll, but as you engage further, you notice that there is a doll within a doll, within a doll! What a bargain! Much in the same way, as a believer, you have been included in Christ. You are intimately, organically united with Him. You are hidden in Him and He lives through you. He has decided to take up residence in you. You have not just received a better life Christ now is your life. You are God’s address here on earth. What a profound thought!

Also, note where you are seated. Location is everything in life! As a believer, you have a new address. You are seated with Christ in heavenly places. You couldn’t ask for a better location, right? The writer is reminding us to relocate our thoughts to line up with heavenly realities. You are no longer defined by whatever defined you in the past. Instead, we get to see things from His perspective and live according to the opinion that He holds over us. When life’s distractions pull us from this place of belonging and authority, the writer reminds us to be alert to what heaven is doing. Indeed, he exhorts us to pursue heaven’s priorities.

As a new creation and follower of Christ, you never have to do life alone. This reality of being included in Christ, being hidden in Him, and being valued as Christ is honored in heaven propels you into walking in the fullness of your identity and authority as a treasured son of God, here on earth.

Action steps:  

• Meditate on Philippians 4:8-9 today.  
• Determine which of your thoughts need to align with heaven’s realities.  
• Write down those truths in a place where you can regularly read them and substitute wrong thinking when life’s distractions come knocking.