Seek what is above.

(Colossians 3:1) 

If Paul ever needed a second job, he could have easily found a position writing technical manuals. He could be clear and concise when he needed to, and he never minced his words. Just as a manual tells you how to use an appliance or piece of software, Paul tells us how to take hold of the new life that Jesus has won for us. It’s as simple as ABC. Look to heaven, put off the “old self” and put on the “new self” (Colossians 3:9, 10). He even gives real-life examples of what the old self looks like so that we can identify it and deal with it—just like the illustrations in a user’s manual!

If Paul is so clear on this theory, why can we sometimes feel muddled in our attempts to put it into practice? We want to overcome our old lives, but we can’t seem to get very far.

One answer is that it takes time. We shouldn’t think that all our sinful habits will go away overnight. That’s why God has given us the gifts of Confession and the Eucharist. We need all the mercy we can get. We need the strength and grace that come from receiving Jesus in his Body and Blood. We should never discount the power of these gifts—or our need for them!

But there is another answer. Paul was clear because he had worked this out in his own life. His clarity didn’t come only from deep theological inquiry. It was also forged in the daily spiritual battle that he took up. Day after day, he strove to put off his old life of violence and pride. Day after day, he strove to put on the life of peace and humility that Jesus had won for him. Day after day, he strove to keep his eyes fixed on the Lord and his heavenly glory.

If we follow Paul’s lead and take up the battle ourselves, our lives will change—slowly but surely. We will begin to sense the Holy Spirit encouraging us and convincing us of God’s love. We will find ourselves reflecting it to the people around us.

So take your time, and keep seeking “what is above” (Colossians 3:1).

from wau.org