Raised with Christ

Most every Christian will say that when they were baptized into Christ, then they were “raised with Christ.” It is true that we are “raised with Christ” when we come out of the watery grave of baptism, having our sins washed away. However it is so sad that far too many do not live like they have been “raised WITH Christ.” Actions do speak much louder than words. The apostle Paul wrote, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them” (Colossians 3:1-7).  Christians who have truly been “raised WITH Christ” will demonstrate that fact in their day to day life knowing that they have died to sin, putting to death the carnal things of life. One who now walks with Christ is one who sets their mind on heavenly things and not earthly things. What a great sense of encouragement it would be to all Christians IF all Christians understood the importance of what it really means to be “raised WITH Christ.” All Christians need to “examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.....” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Life on earth is very short, eternity is forever. Let’s make sure that we are living WITH Christ and FOR Christ each and every day. Our eternity with Christ depends on it!