Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, God’s wrath is coming upon the disobedient, and you once walked in these things when you were living in them. But now, put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of you Creator. Colossians 3:5-10
A New Direction
What is your destination? What is your destiny? When I speak of destiny I don’t speak of that which the world thinks of, "fate, chance, or luck." Our destiny speaks of "one's lot" in Christ by the divine providence (the ability to see beforehand and act) of God. When we become Christians, our life is marked by a new destiny. We are headed in a new direction, both earthly and heavenly.
A new relationship with Jesus and faith will change your life ethically. Colossians 3:5a says “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature…" That means we should not even consider doing anything which stands against God's will. It doesn’t say we won’t feel tempted, it says we need to make the right choice. After we are saved, there should be an obvious difference in our lives.
Colossians Chapter 3 gives us some pretty clear guidelines:
Some of the things we leave behind are:
- Immorality v5
- Passion & evil desire v5
- Greed v5
- Anger and wrath – lasting anger – exploding temper v.8
- Malice – a vicious mind – a source of all evil v.8
- Slander, abusive speech – insults and demeaning statements v.8
- Lying to one another – saving face v.9
Some fruit in a new life in Christ:
- Heart of compassion - heart of pity v.12
- Kindness - desire good for others always v.12
- Humility - need of God v.12
- Gentleness - God-controlled meekness v.12
- Patience – longsuffering with others v.12
- Forbearing and forgiving – continuing forgiveness v.13
- Love and peace -. the bonding power to others – the soul’s desire v.14,15
- Be thankful – gratitude recognizing all is from God v.15
- Singing with thankfulness – a joyful spirit v.16
- Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus – purpose-filled v.17
Of course, no one will be perfect just because they become a Christian. But you do have a new destiny and a new life. People who know you should see a difference. Not perfection, but a different direction.
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. Colossians 3:23
