Your Life Is Safe – August 3, 2022

Read: Colossians 1:1-11

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3

Your Life Is Safe

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

There is a place in the United States that holds more gold than any other country in the world. Located in Kentucky, Fort Knox is a fortress-like building with granite walls two feet thick. The gold vault is protected by a blast-proof door that weighs the same as a fully-loaded school bus. Fort Knox protects some of the most precious items that belong to the United States.

Today’s devotion says, “Your life is hidden with Christ” —not hidden like in “hide and seek, come and find me,” but hidden safely. It’s the Bible’s way of saying that the empty vault of Christ’s tomb means your life is now safe in Christ! So close is your life connected to him, it’s as if you died with him on Good Friday and came back to life with him Easter morning! Because Christ is alive—your faith is suction-cupped to him safely and forever. Your life is Fort Knox-safe!

And a “safe” life changes how you live: “Set your hearts on things above… Take off the old self and put on the new self” (verses 2,9,10). Like a dirty, sweaty shirt after a long day outside, “Take it off!” Jesus bought your life on the cross. You don’t belong to yourself. You belong to him! Your life is hidden with Christ. You’re safe! You’re forgiven! It’s like wearing a brand-new set of clothes every day. The “new” you doesn’t want to talk naughty or tell lies or make someone cry. The “new” you wants to be trusted by friends and family. The “new” you is peaceful, happy, and content.

The best part about the “new” life? It can happen to anyone! Jesus doesn’t care what your past looks like or what your background is. None of that matters. Your life is safe in Jesus. It gives the new life and the new you that you’ve always wanted. It’s not just possible. It’s already happened! Thanks be to God! Amen.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, today we thank you for our lives. Thank you for saving them and keeping us safe every day. When we fall back into old ways of living, help us set our hearts on things above where you are seated at the right hand of God. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What’s the name of the fort where America keeps its gold safe?
• How did Jesus keep us safe?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean that “your life is hidden with Christ?” Where did that happen? (At the cross)
• What does it mean to “take off the old self and put on the new self?” When did that happen? (At your baptism)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Ask your family the characteristics of the “new” you they most appreciate about you.
• Now identify at least two more ways you can live the “new” you this week.