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, which 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 now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).
God's
wrath over unbelief will one day come upon the earth in the form of the Great
Tribulation (Colossians 3:5-7; Revelation). We will not suffer through this
outpouring of God's vengeance, however, because as His children, Christ died
for us and we live with Him (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).
We
used to participate in sin and debauchery, lost from God's mercy and grace
(Colossians 3:8), but now these behaviors belong to our old earthly nature.
Jesus' peace rules in our heart, and we feel gratitude toward the Lord for all
He did and is doing for us (Colossians 3:15).
God's
Spirit within us enables us to overcome trials and to walk in His Spirit
(Galatians 5:15-25). Of all of the virtues we garner through our relationship
with the Trinity, love is the most important because it binds us in perfect
unity to God and to His Body (Colossians 3:14).
Prayer:
Father
God, Christ is our whole life now, and when He appears, we will appear with Him
in glory (Colossians 3:4). 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 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. Whatever we do, even if it is
what we eat or drink, or say or do, we do everything in Jesus' name, from a
surrendered life, for Your glory, and with thanksgiving to You (Colossians
3:17).
Thought
for the Day:
If
sin still controls us, then we did not surrender that part of us to the Spirit
of God in us; and if we do not have God's Spirit within us, we are not Born
Again until we make a true confession of our sins, place all of our faith in
Christ, and completely surrender to His lordship and His Spirit in our life.
-
Romans 8:9; Hebrews 10:26; 1 John 3:6-9; Matthew 25:3
