Colossians 3:1-17

Colossians 3:1-17
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³ For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

This world offers so much that I forget this is not my home and my final resting place is with God in heaven. This does not mean I cannot enjoy the live and this world that God has given me.  However, I must not forget the creator while I enjoy the things he has created.
 
⁵ Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. ⁶ Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. ⁷ You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.

I don't put them in a closet or in a box under your bed.  I don't try God and when things get rough and my faith is weak, pull our my pet sins.  These are part of my past.  God hates sin and his wrath is against it. My old life must be put to death.

⁸ But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

This is tough for me.  Especially when driving.

⁹ Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. ¹¹ Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Society thinks lying is a good thing.  Lying cuts to the core and invalidates our walk with Christ.  If we share Christ and our faith, yet we are found to be a liar, our credibility is gone.

When we put on the new self, we become like Christ.  There is no difference between us.

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Once you put to death your old life you fill the void with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. These will not be perfected over night.

I'm having a hard time forgiving someone, but here I'm instructed to forgive as the Lord forgave me.  I know he has never withheld his forgiveness.  I did forgive this person, but I keep taking it back.  The Lord is the standard.

Love creates unity.  Without love...true love not the romantic notion modern society has created...is the only way to have unity.

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

I don't believe peace is possible without thankfulness.  Every conflict that ever was involved someone not thankful for what they have and wanting more.  The peace of Christ makes us content with what we have.

¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Do you sing?  I did not ask "can" you sing, but "do".  Admonish does not always mean a negative either.  We grow together and encourage each other with a song in our heart to God.

¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I was having a hard time focusing on school today.  These words have helped me focus.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.