Colossians 3

What we set our minds on and pursue is very important. It will determine what, why and how we do things and what things we value. So where better to fix our eyes than on Jesus and on heavenly things. Then we will know Him and ourselves better and know the things that really matter. It will put things and people in their proper places and help us hold loosely to the things of this world. And as we make positive efforts in that direction, we also must deal with those things in us that effect us negatively. We must put to death what is of the flesh. It is a stark and definitive picture of what we should do with the part of us that seeks independence from God, that wants to do its own thing and usually treats others poorly. Death is the only fitting way to deal with it. It is a matter of rejecting the negative, sinful aspect of our self and embrace the godly, righteous part of us. How comforting that God has put a new self in us that is being renewed in the knowledge of our creator. This nature knows and desires to follow God and so it is not just a matter of changing behavior but changing the very nature we are living in. And when we are allowing that nature to reign, all human designations don’t matter…all that matters is Jesus and what He is leading and enabling us in. And yet we not only choose the new nature that Jesus has placed in us but we clothe ourselves with all the character traits that that nature encourages. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love are the things that should mark us. And how important it is as we allow those things to mark us that the peace of Christ reign in our hearts and His word dwell in us richly. And do all those things in His name, through His power and to His glory.

And as we do and become these things in general, we recognize that we operate in certain relationships, and so Paul gives instruction of how we should act in those. Our current society would not agree with such things, but they are not the reference point for our behavior and our direction. God and His word are and they can be trusted to bear the best fruit for us and for others. So let’s do those things that are even difficult for us and reap the greater benefits in our lives.