Christ Sovereign in Our Lives

MEMORY SELECTION: “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” —Colossians 3:4

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Colossians 2:16 – 3:4

TO ALL who have received the begettal of a new mind—“the mind of Christ”—the gracious promises of the Scriptures are a sustaining power. To most others in the world, however, these promises seem to be little understood.

During the future age of restitution, God will pour his Spirit upon all flesh, even as he has done during the present Gospel Age by pouring his Spirit upon his people. At that time the whole world will be given an opportunity to understand and appreciate the promises of everlasting life offered in the kingdom to all the willing and obedient. The world will then rejoice in the obedience and exaltation of the church members, because it will be through them that the blessings of the kingdom will flow.

Although the world will not have a spiritual calling at that time, they will nevertheless, profit by the example of faithfulness set before them by the church members. They will be satisfied with the blessings then in store for them and will make progress with the church’s assistance.

The hope of glory is ever before the child of God. If faithful unto death we are promised that glory, honor, and immortality await us—even as the apostle assures us, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”—Col. 3:4

Throughout the nearly two thousand-year period between our Lord’s first and second advents, there have been those who have desired to take up their cross and follow Jesus. It has been a difficult time, and varied have been the experiences of those who will ultimately share a position in the spiritual kingdom. All have been tried and tested. Loyalty to truth and obedience have been essential factors in the life of each one.

Many have been called to a knowledge of the spiritual blessings that are available during the present age. It is from among this class of called-out ones that the “little flock” is being selected. We rejoice in the words of the Revelator (Rev. 2:10), “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” The church class will be comprised of those who have been “called,” “chosen,” and “faithful.”

We are guided by the apostle’s counsel as it was written to the Colossian brethren. He says, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” (Col. 3:1) The Christian has risen above the allurements of a sin-sick and dying world. He puts these corrupt things out of his mind and, instead, focuses his attention on the blessed promises of God’s Word. He seeks those things that are above by studying to make himself approved of God and striving to the best of his ability to follow in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior.

Paul admonishes, “Set your affection [mind, marginal reading] on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col. 3:2) The things of this world are temporary and cannot bring lasting benefit or blessing to anyone. The Lord’s people are thus advised to develop an appreciation and understanding of spiritual things, which are not of this world. By so doing we are assured of an abundant entrance into the kingdom of God. That kingdom and that inheritance is not temporary but everlasting. In that kingdom is joy and blessedness forevermore.

We are not our own, but our lives are in the hands of God. “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (vs. 3) The calling of the present Gospel Age has gone largely unnoticed by the world. The lives of all who have made a covenant to do the Lord’s will are hidden. This invitation continues to go out to those who will set aside the things of this world and seek the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

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