Colossians 3:13 “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“. Just so we don’t miss it, here’s how we aim at and seek eternal treasure. Right away, we see shovels aren’t on the list and the map doesn’t include landmarks, no travel plans are needed. Paul starts out telling us to set our minds on and keep them set on things above, not on things of the Earth. We’re to kill, deprive of power, the evil desires lurking in our flesh and put away, completely, anger, rage, bad feeling toward others. He tells us not to lie to each other and be gentle and forbearing with one another, forgiving each other, just like we’ve been forgiven. We’re to clothe ourselves as God‘s own chosen ones, purified and holy and loved by God, and then putting on love which binds everything together. Paul’s telling us we’re different… we live in a world where ‘weeds’ flourish, where uncontrolled feelings and emotions are top priority and attitudes of pride and selfishness are not only accepted but encouraged. But we’re to be different. We’re to put on behavior marked by tender hearted, pity, and mercy, selflessness, and humility. We’re to be gentle and patient… long suffering with each other…and forgiving of any grievances or complaints we might have against someone. What’s missing…? We don’t see a list of exceptions where we put aside being gentle and patient, where in certain situations it’s OK to be unkind, or deny mercy to anyone. Being gentle and patient is part of who we are and who we are is reflected in what we do, even when it’s hard. We’re taunted by the enemy to be impatient, maybe, just this once or to judge another as unforgivable, and not worthy of mercy. Jesus’ single act on the cross, forgiving the ones who drove the nails into His hands, is our example. (See comments for the rest)
