Colossians 3 - 7.28.25

Scripture

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” -Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” -Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” -Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation

Paul speaks to the church in Colossae about what living a changed life in Christ looks like. In verses 5-8, they are told what to put to death and then in verses 12-14, they are told what to put on instead, to replace the old life. In verse 2, it is a basic summary on how they will be able to put on the correct identity and that’s by focusing their minds and hearts on eternity, not on this world.

Application

Live in our NEW identity, not the OLD.

I think it’s interesting how all of the traits that we need to put on (even those we need to put off) has to do with our character and heart. True and lasting compassion, kindness, humility, love and forgiveness does not come from something learned outside of ourselves. It comes from our heart. It’s impossible to make those changes in and of ourselves. It can work temporarily, but not in the long run.

Therefore, the first step in putting on the right “clothes” is to focus on Jesus; to set our minds not on our temporary, earthly dwelling place, but rather, our eternal dwelling in Heaven with Him. Once our hearts are aligned with His and we are aware of how He chose us and loves us dearly, the overflow will always be us putting on the correct “clothes.”

We work for Jesus and must represent Him well. We are His servants not just at church, but while we work our jobs in the marketplace; while we do chores at home; while we take care of our kids and spouses; while we interact with our friends, family and neighbors; and even while we scroll/post on social media!

“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.” -‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for choosing us and loving us so much! Help us Holy Spirit to always be clothed with Your compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love, instead of everything else that You have described as idolatry in Your Word. Change our hearts and minds to focus on the eternal and not on temporary things here on earth. All things will pass. You won’t allow anyone or anything to take Your place.  I pray we would focus on You and spend time with You daily through Your Word and Worship so that we wouldn’t fall into the enemy’s traps. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi