April 19, 2023 | Be On Mission
Set Your Hearts, Minds & Lifestyles on God
Scripture: Colossians 3:1-17 (NIV)
1 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.
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. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 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.
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.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 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. 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.
Devotional
In yesterday’s reading, we learned that we are powerless to earn our way to God through good works. But this truth does not let us off the hook from pursuing righteousness once we have been redeemed by Christ. In the first two verses and the last verse of today’s reading, Paul challenges us to make sure that our desires, thoughts, words, and actions all have a compass setting to true north.
In verses 5-9, Paul lists a handful of the common vices that redeemed Christians try to hold onto: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed, anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language, and lying. How do behaviors like these inhibit our growth as disciples of Jesus? Why do they matter to God? Paul tells us to “put to death… rid yourselves… and take off” these practices. What are a few practical ideas to do this?
Then, in verses 12-16, Paul lists another handful of common virtues that God’s chosen people should pursue: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, love, peace, thankfulness, and a life indwelled by the Word of God. How do behaviors like these enhance our growth as disciples of Jesus? Why do they matter to God? Paul says “clothe yourselves” with these Godly virtues. In other words, dress yourselves with these daily, just as sure as you pull on a pair of pants every day!
How about you? Is your compass setting to true north 365/24/7? Do you stay on course regardless of the time of day, the company you are with, or the device you are using? What is a practical step you can take to set your heart and set your mind on things above?
Poem
Dressing For The Day
My day starts with a shower
Which washes stink away
The razor shaves the hair off
My head is coifed, hairspray
I put on undergarments
Then clothes appropriate
My glasses sit upon my nose
Correct myopia
Amidst this routine daily
What else comes off, goes on
Do I confess the dirt of soul?
Do I forgive all wrongs?
Will I put on the garments
Of Christ’s own righteousness
So when presenting to the world
I bear a true witness?
Lord, wash me in your fountain
Of gracious saving love
And don my body, soul and mind
With clothing from above
