LIVING BEYOND NORMAL

These extraordinary verses assume that believers who are now identified with Christ are living in two realms simultaneously. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have died to an old way of existence though we still have to live in it. It is as though we have two passports. One is tangible with personal details and an expiration date – a key identification document for normal living. The other passport involves a completely different way of living with Jesus in his kingdom. As The Message puts it: ‘Your new life, which is your real life – even though invisible to spectators – is with Christ in God’ (v 3). As citizens of Jesus’ kingdom we can live beyond normal with no expiration date (v 4).

The implications of this second identity are far-reaching (as the rest of the chapter shows). First God challenges our daily thought processes, because living normally all too easily pulls us downward into daily routines of behavior and relationships. To counter this default behavior we must deliberately focus thought upward. The verb’s tense keep on setting (vs 1,2) indicates that it is not a once- for-all command but is continuous – a daily focusing of our total thinking. Continually to set your heart on things above (v 1) is not some vaguely mystical exercise but a focus on Christ seated at the right hand of God, on his majesty and power – for he is always interceding for us, enabling us to live each day beyond normal. His love and direction never flag when we seek him. Setting your mind on things above, not on earthly things (v 2) reminds us not to drift downward into the normal stuff of life without God’s bigger perspective.

The prayer at the top of this page is displayed in my bathroom, where it jolts me every morning. Could you consider such a daily reminder to check your thoughts?