When we surrender our life to
Christ, He raises us from the death of carnality and sin to the glorious
liberty of the sons of God (Romans 8:21). We are seated with Jesus in the
presence of Almighty God (Colossians 3:1).
Our focus in life changes from
possessions and accomplishments that are important to people in this world to
Heavenly thoughts and pursuits that pertain to the Kingdom of God (Colossians
3:2).
As authentic Believers our life
is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). Christ is our whole life, and
when He appears, we will appear with Him in glory (Colossians 3:4).
God's vengeance on unbelief will
one day come upon the earth in the form of the Great Tribulation (Colossians
3:5-7; Revelation). We used to participate in sin and debauchery, lost from
God's mercy and grace, but now they belong to our old earthly nature.
God's Spirit within us enables us
to overcome our penchant to curse, give in to anger and rage, have malice
toward someone or slander their name (Colossians 3:8).
We learn to bear with each other
and forgive each other when we have a grievance, just like God forgives us
(Colossians 3:13). He reminds us not to lie to one another and to exchange our
old life and activities for our new nature.
His Spirit renews our mind into
the image of our Creator (Colossians 3:9-10). In Christ, our cultural,
national, vocational and family heritage have no bearing on who we are. He is
our all and He is in all (Colossians 3:11). We are God's chosen people.
We walk in His holiness through
Christ in us. God's Spirit teaches us to clothe our self in compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12).
Prayer:
Father God, with all of the
virtues we garner through our relationship with the Trinity, love is the most
important because it binds us in perfect unity (Colossians 3:14). Jesus' peace
rules in our heart and changes our attitude to one of gratitude toward the Lord
for all He did and is doing for us (Colossians 3:15).
You planned that the comfort of
Christ in us richly abides with us as we teach and admonish each other with the
wisdom of Your Word. We give praise to our You in corporate worship, and we help
one another to carry our burdens (Colossians 3:16). Thank You for Your Body,
Father God, and for giving us local expressions of Your Church in every city
and town across America.
Thought for the
Day:
Whatever we do,
even if it is what we eat or drink, or say or do, we do everything in Jesus'
name, for His glory, and with thanksgiving through Jesus to our Father God.
- Colossians 3:17
