Colossians 3
Colossians 3:1-25
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,
7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality
Twice in this chapter, Paul exhorts that in “whatever you do” in word or deed, to do it heartily and in the name of Jesus.
The first time is after he is talking about how we are to behave from our emotions and the second is after he talks about how spouses should treat each other as well as those in leadership.
in all these areas there is great adversity and great opportunity to exhibit behavior less than pleasing to God. In fact, we could easily lead people away from God as self-professed Christians, by acting contrary.
I like in my study Bible that verse 12 says to embrace a spirit of… that hit me that we don’t have to do these things alone. The Holy Spirit on the inside guides us to act from places of mercy, or kindness, humbleness of mine, weakness, long-suffering, and forgiveness!
There is a reality of our new life in Christ, where the old man has died with Him on the cross, and our new one is risen with Him in righteousness. Yet, it is still upon us to choose the new, to abandon the ways of unrighteousness that are void of love. Claiming some kind of perfection that requires no further choices on our part is apparently not something that Paul adhered to. The removal of selfish flesh as a guide and motivation is necessary to remove its consequences. There is still an unsavory destination for those who insist on some kind of perfection without confirming actions. The new life is one of love that leaves no one out. There is no place for offense in the consideration of self over others and determination of how they’ll be treated. For everyone, from all family members and business associates to casual friends, actions towards them will be the same as if they were Christ Himself. If everything about us has died, there is no breath for expression of personal desires and needs that make a place for lust, sin, and strife. The legitimacy of our claims of unity with the Master are unfounded and ineffective apart from ongoing choices to not only be cut off from any uncleanness and ungodliness but to also be intentionally giving the mercy, affection, and love we’ve received from Him, especially when it is so undeserved. These are not just options to be considered apart from mitigating circumstances but are requirements that come with consequences when disregarded. Walking in the way of love is not just a nice suggestion, but is revelation of the heart’s true choice to not just recognize Jesus’ Lordship, but follow Him as Master. The relationship we’ve received as an amazing gift from the Father, when truly experienced and lived out, will be integrally woven into every other relationship. How we know and love Him will be shown in how we interact with all we encounter. To disrespect and dishonor any, no matter how much it may seem appropriate, is to disrespect and dishonor the one who has shown us so much undeserved mercy and love. There can be no comfort and security in an elevated assumption of position in Him that is not established in love, mercy, and freedom from all domination of the flesh. After all, if flesh has died, there is only love still breathing.