Complete in Christ: That’s You!

Before you start todays devotional, ask the Lord to use it to grow you up in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

You have a new life in Jesus. Do you know that? Does knowing that change how you face every trial you encounter each day? Yes, it should!

Not unlike what the Colossians faced, the modern world also promotes its own brand of wisdom that emphasizes human ability and a “live it up all you want” approach with no thought of eternal things. Those philosophies show up in nearly every aspect of our lives, from how we raise our children to what we do with our leisure time to how we think about just about everything to do with the world around us. The problem with that approach to living is it leaves God completely out of the equation. But for those of us who love Jesus, that is no way to live.

When God saved you, He graciously removed you from your sinful state and placed you “in Christ,” and everything became new (2 Corinthians 5:17). That transformation occurred because of the Holy Spirit’s power (Ephesians 1:13). And in that transformation, you were eternally identified with Jesus and seated with Him in heaven. Though you remain living on earth, you are positioned spiritually in Christ in heaven. And that ought to impact how you live.

Through the Holy Spirit’s power, you can intentionally focus your mind and affections on Jesus, experiencing His power and peace each day. Someday, that position in Christ will become visible at the future appearing of Jesus when all believers will “appear with Him in glory” (3:4). Until that day, we all live considering His appearing by pursuing holiness and putting to death “fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is adultery” (3:5). Your life hidden with Christ shines as a purified life both here on earth and in the future when you appear with Him in glory.

God wants us to embrace our identity in Jesus and live it out as we express that identity through a lifestyle of holiness. How are you doing in this area of your life? Are you, like most people, going through life with no consideration for how your thoughts or the attitudes of your heart impact your eternal destiny? Do you live only in the moment, with little to no consideration of the worth of living a holy life? Do you live as one who is seated with Christ in heaven? Because of Christ, we must live our lives reflective of our new identity in Jesus by dying to sin, joining Him through baptism, and focusing on our future with Him in heaven. That changes everything.

What would it mean for you to put to death those things that are dishonoring to the Lord? You’ll find freedom, peace, rest, and joyful goodness in a life like that. You belong to Jesus, and your life is hidden with Him in heaven. Start living as if that is so. You will never regret it.

1.Why would it be necessary for salvation to include a new heart?

2.What difference would it make in your life if you were more conscious of having your identity in Christ as you went about your day?

3.Imagine for a moment that you could truly see your sins as God sees them. How do you think that would change how you deal with sin in your life?

Additional Resources

Listen to Dr. J. Vernon McGee's complete teachings on Colossians 2:8-23 and Colossians 3:1-5.