“God, who hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” – Ephesians 2:6
“Far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.” – Ephesians 1:21-22
In our exploration of Colossians 3:1-3, we examined the elevated spiritual position of believers. Rising with Christ and being seated in heavenly places signifies authority and victory in Him.
Our focus on maintaining a “far-above mentality” underscores the recognition of this elevated position, empowering believers with authority over powers and principalities. This awareness allows us to operate victoriously rather than in defeat.
Understanding one’s identity and authority in Christ is paramount to resisting the devil’s lies. Firmly standing on the truth of God’s Word enables us to counter deceptive narratives, preventing doubt and fear from infiltrating our hearts.
Awareness of our identity as redeemed souls is a safeguard against oppression. Ignorance of this identity exposes vulnerability, while a “far-above mentality” serves as a shield against the schemes of the enemy. Foundational for believers, it enables victorious living, resistance to falsehood, and freedom from oppression. Practical steps involve aligning thoughts with biblical truths, exercising faith, and cultivating a lifestyle rooted in a deep understanding of our identity and authority in Christ.
The “far-above mentality” is not only maintaining a mindset that rises above challenges and negativity; it is the posture of our heart in relation to Christ as the head, Lord, and Master. This mentality encourages resilience, hope, and a focus on higher values.
The book of Hebrews says that the faith of the hero of faith is incumbent on knowing that they are sojourning on earth while looking forward to a city not built with human hands:
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had an opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” Hebrew 11: 13-16.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus states in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our priorities and values, represented by our ‘treasure,’ shape the orientation of our hearts and, in turn, mold the trajectory of our lives.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Col3:1-3
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk