Colossians 3 - Christian Resolve

        It is human nature to think we are the favorite.  Or that God has favorites for that matter.  We’re not.  He doesn't.  In the Old Testament, over and over again God explains that He has no favorites.  He judges men and women by the character of their faith shown in their actions.

        For example, in Isaiah 22:14 we read this, “The LORD of Heaven’s Armies has revealed this to me: ‘Till the day you die, you will never be forgiven for this sin.’ That is the judgment of the Lord, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.”  God is talking in that section of Scripture about proud, boastful, and unrepentant Jerusalem.  The people of Jerusalem knew very well what God called them to do (weep and mourn) but instead, they chose to party and ignore God.

        We see similar issues in the Church over the years and certainly today.  An army paints a cross on their shield and then is convinced that the hand of God is on them.  A church thinks it is invincible because it has a good website that seems to get the doctrine right.  It doesn’t work that way.  God looks at what we do, not what we say.  He knows our hearts and He sees our faith in action.

        That’s what we see throughout the New Testament as well.  We have freedom in Christ, but we have to show our faith by our actions.  Look at what this chapter says, “Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.  But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done.  For God has no favorites” (Colossians 3:24-25).  Pretty clear.

        Oh, if we could only get this chapter right in our lives, families, churches, and communities.  Then every person on earth would want to be a Christian.  Love in action is contagious.  There is nothing more appealing than true love, Christian love in action.  A people known for their love for others.  Strong families.  Strong communities.  Strong nations.  Christian resolve.

        The church is a people characterized and clothed by tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (3:12).  I’ve made it a priority to memorize those characteristics this week.  I memorized the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5) years ago when I became a Christian, but I have not taken 3:12 seriously enough and often I am not clothed with this fragrance of Christ.  I need to be.

        New ways of thinking bring new lifestyles (for better or for worse).  As Christians we are to be transformed into a new lifestyle - by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).  The reason, or motive if you will, for our need for new thinking and right living is that God loves us.  He really loves us and God chose his church (us) to be holy.  It’s an incredible responsibility.  But it’s doable with Holy Spirit power.

        I will work on mercy - tender-hearted mercy - kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience today.  It’s a day to put love into action.  One day, on the return of the King's Day, Judgment Day, Christ will be revealed to the whole world (3:4).  Jesus Christ will not come back in secret.  He will not appear where only some can see Him.  On that Day God will be glorified.  God will also be glorified today.  By what His body here on earth does.  That is His church.  God willing - what we do today will honor God.

        God wants our families and our Christian organizations to be structured and to act in a way that is fitting for servants of the Most High.  He gives each of us (no matter our country of origin or what our resumes say) who believe in Him Holy Spirit giftings, guidance, and capabilities.

        Through God, you and I can do much more than we think.  Let’s ask God today for exactly what is on our minds.  Let’s make sure our motives are right and that we are living out verses five to eleven.  We are to have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and other evil desires.  Nothing means nothing at all.  A high bar.

        Also, as repeated throughout scripture, do not be greedy.  You hear a really interesting story in Isaiah 22:15-25 about the administrator, Shebna.  He thought he was an untouchable, a favorite.  He was one of the religious elite, a boss man who could flaunt greed, build a monument on a hill for himself, and take honor that was God’s alone.  God crumpled him into a ball and tossed him.  He was a disgrace to God.  He was no favorite at all.  And his worldly assets turned out to be useless.  There is a message there for us.  Pride and boasting of worldly assets is a cancer in the church.  Let’s test ourselves and make sure that we have nothing to do with greed.  Colossians three says that because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.

        It is always a good time to put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.  What’s lurking in there today, David?  Put it to death.  Let’s get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.  Let’s stop lying to each other.  Tell the truth.  We, as God’s holy people, are to be a unified, well-functioning body.

        Let’s act like it.  Remind people today how much they are loved by Jesus Christ.  Because of Christ’s love, let’s be holy.  Tenderhearted - not hard-hearted, rude, mean, and nasty.  Kind - not cruel.  Humble - not pathetically proud.  Gentle - for God is gentle with us.  And patient - don’t rush the day today - enjoy this new life in Christ.

        Lord Jesus, please help us to extend grace to all people today - to forgive any offense against us and to be cloathed in love.  Help us to plan well for the coming days how we can help those in need and give to the poor and hungry.  Please Lord Jesus, in love bind us together in perfect harmony with peace that comes from our Master.  May God’s church grow today - worldwide.  We are thankful for all God is doing in and through His people today.  Let us sing to the Lord God for He is Good.  Amen.

I had a blast running the Turkey Trot with all our kids yesterday.  So thankful for what God is doing here in LYH.