Get a Life

What do you think about this interesting statement?

For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Col 3:3

If a person is dead, how can we still speak of life? Because Paul is talking about the spiritual realm.

"For you died" - this refers to the 'old nature' which is crucified with Christ (Rom 6:6) and 'buried' through water baptism (Rom 6:3-5).

Barne's commentary puts it this way:

The idea of the apostle is, that as Christ became literally dead in the tomb, so we, in virtue of our connection with him, have become dead to sin, to worldly influences, pleasures, and ambition. Or, in other words, we are to be to them as if we were dead, and they had no more influence over us than the things of earth had over him in the grave

"Your life" - this refers to your new being, which has been 'born again' through God:

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Cor 5:17

The Amplified Bible denotes that this 'life' Paul speaks of is the result of the death of the old nature:

For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. (Col 3:3)

Your life in terms of physical existence is not the real you. It is a stage you pass through, like a caterpillar in a cocoon. The real you is a new spiritual identity only available when you identity with Christ's crucifixion and resurrection through believing in Him.

Some translations pick up on a nuance of the word 'hidden' which implies something hidden due to its value. It's covered, kept carefully and secretly with Christ in God.

So are you living your real life? Or are you more pre-occupied with the details of your physical one, which is transient and already slipping away? Get a life! Get your real one that is hidden in Christ.

Colossians 2:1-2 exhorts:

IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  

And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. (Amplified Bible)

Where is your focus today? What have you set your heart on lately? Let the Shepherd of your heart order its contents today, and everyday.