Living a Hidden Life
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” – Colossians 3:3 NIV
We died to our old ways, but have we forgotten to live with the assurance of a life hidden with Christ?
photo: Raye Wortel
We are hidden. Not because of shame, indifference, or malice, but for safety, protection, and a promise of Eternal Hope.
We are hidden. Not to oppress or burden, but because we’ve been sanctified, justified, and crucified with Christ.
We are hidden. Until that perfect day when Almighty God returns to reveal his Glory to all Creation. Then the fullness of our salvation will be realized.
But for now, we are hidden WITH Christ; in his care and safe keeping. We are not left completely to the fierceness of a fallen world.
We may know this in our mind, but if we don’t get our heart and our life around the idea of living hidden in Christ, I believe we’re missing a crucial part of the Cross.
What then, are the stumbling blocks?
THE SPECTACLE FACTOR
We confuse our works as our salvation, rather than a result of our salvation. Work becomes our master as if we can “buy” our way into heaven with the quantity of our accomplishments. Right now, our God is unseen, do we trust he sees us, or do we make a spectacle of ourselves in our busyness?
THE SPECTATOR FACTOR
The Cross isn’t about our worthiness, it’s about God’s greatness. When we look upon the cross and feel the weight of it, we must be careful that we sink to our knees out of reverence for Him, and not for pity for ourselves. We are not beyond the redeeming fire of the Cross – none of us are. Too often we underestimate God’s power to heal and transform, so we become spectators on the sidelines.
We are not hidden from the cross, nor should we be. In its ruggedness our King gave up his life as a “once and for all” sacrifice.
We cannot forget it.
Our lives must bare his redeeming mark, but not to shame or denial. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Will we believe it?
Remember the cross, but let us praise him, worship him – thank him through living free and in the light, so we can be a beacon for those spent in the darkness.
Our salvation is firmly hidden within his grasp.
He will come for us.
And we will sing, “Glory to God, our Risen King has come!”
May the joy and perfect peace of our Holy Lord be with you, filling you to the fullest so you may know and have courage to LIVE.
To me, “living hidden with Christ” means being aware of his wounded hands reaching out to me, ever ready to hold me close and to take my hand and lead me. I have memorized and often hear Him whisper, “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you” Isaiah 41:13
Beautiful Eliane, thank you so much for your wise thoughts.
Raye, this reminded me of a prayer card I received from a patient, given to me after our brother in law suffered a stroke. Saint Marianne Cope, 1838-1918 “what little we can do to help and comfort the suffering, we wish to do it quietly and so far as possible unnoticed and unknown”. As you said, we need not make a spectacle of ourselves when we do what God wants, He knows. Thanks for this important reminder to be humble and give of ourselves. <3
Yes, God blesses a humble and generous spirit! Thank you for sharing that sweet prayer, and your kind comments. Have a joyous Easter, sister.