Is Christ My Life?

Is Christ My Life?

“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Col. 3:3. Paul writes this as if it were a given. But is that how it is for me? When I become anxious, worried, and everything is all about me—where is my life then? Is my life hidden with Christ, or am I the center of attention?

Paul writes, “For to me, to live is Christ . . .” Phil. 1:21. What does “to live” mean for me? After Paul met Jesus, he had no doubt. The One who revealed Himself was not only Lord, but He became life itself. If we are to live this hidden life with Christ, our minds must be set on things above. Col. 3:2. Even then, though, we know all too well that we still carry about a body of sin with us. That’s why the exhortation follows, “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth . . .” Col. 3:5. The old must give way—not by our own power, but because we have died with Christ.

And Jesus has not left us alone either. He said, “I will come to you,” and He asked the Father to send the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of truth—to be with us and in us. John 14:16-17. Do we understand how privileged we are? The Spirit is not an extra support for just a select few; He is essential for anyone who wants to lay hold of the life of Jesus. “He will teach you all things.” In God’s light, it becomes clear what dwells within us: foolishness, self-centeredness, and words and deeds we do that do not align with the life of Christ. That is why what we sing in one of the songs is so comforting: “But if, in the light, we acknowledge our sin, then wisdom, by faith, comes where folly has been.” WotL 377, V3. That is when it is crucial to be in our rightful place, in the light, and in a spirit that loves the truth and does not draw back when the Spirit speaks.

“When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Col. 3:4. When I truly believe this word, I no longer need to defend myself. I don’t need to fight for my own position or opinion. It is precisely in situations where we feel we are losing face, honor, or our sense of security that we have the opportunity to live in complete surrender to Him. “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” 1 Pet. 4:19. It is clear that this will cost me sufferings, but this is precisely where a pathway opens up for me that leads to rest. “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest.” Heb. 4:11. Rest is not found in being passive, but rather in surrender and complete trust. When something affects our name, reputation, or pride, we need to cast it on Him who can bear it, and who truly does bear it; and then we need to continue to do good—in His power, so that His life can increasingly permeate our lives.

Then it will be as Paul expresses it, that, “. . . in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: . . . by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true.” 2 Cor. 6:4,8. A hidden life with Jesus is a life of complete surrender to the will of God. Therefore, we need to dare to test ourselves in the various circumstances of life: “Is it really Christ who lives in me?” Then we will also be revealed with Him—in glory. Col. 3:4.