Living on the Right Side of Easter
Scripture Reading — Colossians 3:1-4
Since . . . you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God . . . not on earthly things.
Several years ago someone made the comment that too many Christians are living on the wrong side of Easter. Too many Christians, he said, are living as if Christ was not raised from the dead. They go through life without joy or peace, without showing the fruit of the Spirit Paul talks about in Galatians 5:22-23.
In today's verses we find that it does not have to be that way, because as Christians we have been raised with Christ. Says Paul, "Since you have been raised with Christ . . ."—not "if" or "when." The resurrection of the Lord Jesus is not just something that happened in the past; it affects every follower of Jesus also today. As one of our confessions puts it, by Jesus' power we "are already raised to a new life."
Because of Christ's resurrection power in our lives, we can learn to set our hearts "on things above." We can learn to loosen our grip on "earthly things." The Lord Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy . . . . But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-20).
You and I have to learn to live on the right side of Easter by claiming the power of the risen Savior every day. Ask yourself, "Which side of Easter am I on?"
Lord Jesus, fill us with your power, and give us the grace to show that power in our lives. In your name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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