What does it mean to be "hidden with Christ in God"? How do I live that out in real, practical ways? I mean, it sounds rather escapist, and I have a real, sometimes hard, life to face. I can't run into my room, shut the door, and read the Bible and pray 24 hours a day (though sometimes I'd like to)!
Colossians 3 and 4 actually contains quite practical direction. Here is what I'm gleaning as to how to live a "hidden" life on the rocky slopes of life (see Song of Songs 2:14).
- Seek the rich, eternal treasures that are above.
- Set your mind and keep it set on what is above.
- Kill evil desire, especially idolatry (deifying self and created things instead of God).
- Rid yourself of anger and rage, bad feeling toward others, curses and slander, foulmouthed abuse, shameful utterances, and lying.
- Put on behavior marked by tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourself, gentle ways, and patience (the power to endure whatever comes with good temper).
- Readily forgive.
- Above all, put on love.
- Let Christ's peace act as umpire in your heart.
- Be thankful in every situation.
- Let the Word have its home in your heart and mind.
- Do everything in dependence on Jesus.
- Work heartily from the soul, as for God and not for men.
- Be earnest, unwearied and steadfast in your prayer life.
- Behave wisely with non-Christians.
- Let your speech be pleasant and winsome.
