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Day 19: Colossians 3-2 Thessalonians 3

Stacy Fuentes-Perez, Admin Assistant at UPPERROOM Academy

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

We all share a deep longing—a heart cry—to see our Beloved and be reunited with Him. Oh, how we long for that day!

As we wait, there is a daily response we must embrace: we must take off the old and put on the new.

Whether you are a new believer or have been walking with Christ for years, we all need a fresh awakening about what it means to be alive with Christ and how we should respond to this call.

In 2 Thessalonians, some believers became distracted and misinterpreted Paul’s message about Christ's return. This misunderstanding led to idleness in their work and deeds. Paul reminds them of how he served them—not to boast, but to illustrate that his efforts were inspired by Christ.

We learn that in their waiting, they lost focus and redirected their minds toward the beliefs and rumors surrounding them.

In Colossians 3:1-4, Paul emphasizes the importance of knowing and living as people who have been raised with Christ. He reminds us to set our minds on things above and not on earthly matters. Like the Thessalonians, in our waiting, we can fall into the temptation of focusing on ourselves, our desires, and our busy lives, losing sight of the One we have been raised with—CHRIST!

The truth of being raised with Christ is both mind-blowing and a reality we hold. Paul speaks of the necessity of putting off the old self and putting on the new. Looking closely, you can see that Colossians 3 isn’t merely a checklist of do’s and don’ts. Instead, Paul emphasizes the importance of our actions while highlighting “who” is truly important: who our lives are hidden with, who we were raised with, who forgave us, who we do things unto.

It is the Holy One who made the way for us. It is Him. It has always been Him. He is our newness. When our heart, mind, and soul center on this truth, it creates a powerful response. We were not raised on our own; rather, we were raised with Christ, who has given us access to live the life He fought for on our behalf.

My prayer is that as you read these chapters, you are reminded of Him who has given us life and the significance it holds! It calls for a response as we keep Him at the center of our hearts, minds, and souls.

We have been raised with Christ, and we can now share in His glory!