Colossians 3:1-4 NLT
[1] “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. [2] Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. [3] For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.”

How relevant is Paul’s instruction to us today! Our world is no different from the world of his day. Wickedness, idolatry, corruption, sexual perversion, crime…every kind of evil you can think of happens today as it happened then.

How can we handle life as God’s children in a cesspool of wickedness? There’s no escape. We must get rid of the foolish notion that we are exempt from these adversities because we are God’s children. Jesus assured us that hardships will always be our lot in this world.

John 16:33 NLT
[33] “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Paul gives us another way, the only way to remain sane and persevere despite our earthly circumstances. “Don’t dwell on these things. Dwell on the truth and reality behind all these goings-on.”

So, what’s the truth and reality we are to make our focus?

“Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”

It’s a simple change of perspective. If the “things of earth” are frustrating and depressing, one thing is sure. This world as it is now, is transient. Everything that makes the world what it is will pass away. All wickedness, sin, and evil will be swept off the board when Jesus returns.

2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT
[18] “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”

1 John 2:17 NLT
[17] “And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”

Revelation 21:1-7 NLT
[1] “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. [2] And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. [3] I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. [4] He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are GONE FOREVER.” [5] And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” [6] And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. [7] All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.”

Why is it possible and necessary for us to change our perspective? Paul says, “Dead people are immune to earthly circumstances!” Wow! Have you ever thought of that? Dead people are no longer concerned about or affected by inflation, the high cost of living, lack of service delivery, the crime rate, government corruption and incompetence, and…and…They are beyond all those considerations. While people on earth wrangle and fight, kill and destroy, something different is happening in the unseen realm. God is moving all history towards its predetermined end.

So, the real deal is that you are now dead to the present world. You are alive in another realm. Your are already with Jesus in the realm of rule and authority.

Ephesians 2:6-7 NLT
[6] “For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. [7] So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.”

This doesn’t mean that you can call the shots. This means that you are right beside the One who has the right and power to call the shots…and He will, at the right time.

Revelation 21:1-7 NLT
[1] Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. [2] And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. [3] I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. [4] He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” [5] And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” [6] And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. [7] All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.”

So, whatever is happening in the earthly realm now, however difficult and frustrating it might be, will not last forever. No one will get away with wickedness. God’s judgment and justice will be given and everyone will reap their appropriate reward.

For us to participate in the rewards of heaven, we must live in that realm now by trusting in the One who did it all for us, and living within the boundaries of heaven’s constitution, the New Covenant.

[3] “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.”

In the next section, Paul gives us the rule of thumb that makes this life in the heavenly realm possible and a reality….