If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

–Colossians 3:1-4 ESV, emphasis added

One of the joys that Scott and I have experienced since returning to the US is joining a new church full of 20- and 30-somethings. This body of believers loves Jesus and desires to grow in faith, hope and love. When we were asked to be the “gray-haired/no-haired” people of this congregation, we couldn’t say yes fast enough. But when I was recently asked to speak to the college women, one of my secret vain concerns surfaced of, “What should I wear to seem cool to these girls???” I wanted to impress them by looking “hip” rather than like the 55-year-old grandmother that I am.

I see a deep-seated desire in my heart to seem better than I really am. Since childhood, I have followed a pattern of wanting others to believe that I am fully capable by not asking for help when I need it, or of framing a story so that I come out looking good and mildly humble, or of exaggerating my worth to make sure I am still wanted. Somehow, I believe that if I dress up the impression, then others will not look closer to see the real me. The problem is that I not only fail to impress others, but I also keep myself from being seen and known.

Paul writes these verses in Colossians to remind us where our life is truly hidden – not behind hip clothes or fancy facades, but rather “hidden with Christ in God.” Some of the consequences of being hidden with Christ are that:

• He is not ashamed to call me His own (Hebrews 2:11) …so I belong.
• He lays down His life for me, His friend (John 10:11) …so I am cherished.
• He clothes me in righteousness (Isaiah 61:10) …so I am holy.
• He redeems my life from the pit (Psalm 103:4) …so I am safe.
• He keeps me close to Him and wants me to be near Him (Isaiah 40:11) …so I am wanted.
• He loves me so much and nothing can make Him stop (Romans 8:38-39) …so I am loved.
• And even when my heart condemns me, He is even greater than my heart! (1 John 3:20) …so I am unashamed.

Remembering these verses helped me set my mind on more important issues, let me wear my normal, comfortable clothes, and drew me back to the safety of being hidden in Christ and seen by my Father at the same time. So, throw your comfortable clothes on and rest in the fact that you are hidden and seen…and safe today!

ACTION: Here’s one of my favorite songs to listen to while you sit with Jesus…