Colossians 3 - Connected

        It’s interesting.  As we get to the 50-something or 60-something stage of life we take on the role of parent mentor and son or daughter mentor at the same time.  That is, we are caring and praying for our elderly parents and praying and caring for our kids as they embark on their careers and face the challenges of life including the challenges of parenthood.  Keep on.  Keep on fighting, praying, and caring.  God wants us to ask for what our kids need.  And what our parents need.  Thank you, God, for our families.  And thank You most of all for the Family of God.

        Speaking to my male friends for just a moment, young and old.  Remember, as Christian men we seek to be servant leaders as Jesus instructs.  We are not about cults of personality or power or anything of this world.  Instead, as Paul warned Titus, live a blameless life.  That means praying like crazy for your wife and kids.  Never be angry, quick-tempered, or rude.  Or greedy.  Drink wine, but not too much.  Never get drunk.  And never be violent, abusive, or dishonest with money.  That’s our standard.  We live a blameless life because that life honors our Saviour (Titus 1:6).

        You may not think that ties into Colossians 3, but I pray it does.  It does because either the Christian walk is real or it’s not.  Either we really have had our sins washed away or we haven’t.  Do each of us have a new life, life through the Holy Spirit?  We do.  That’s the good news repeated in Scripture.  And it must mean something.  And be shown to mean something.  It impacts how we live faithfully to our wives and our children.  Let us honor God by the way we live.

        The ingredients dictate the taste.  That is, wrongful and disgraceful behavior brings exactly what God says it will: contempt and ultimately destruction.

        The good news is God wants us to succeed.  The spirits of darkness seek to crush you and your family.  But God seeks to encourage you, open your ears to learning, and help you live an honorable life - a blameless life as Paul would say.

        Are we ready and willing to have our spirits lifted by God (Proverbs 18:14)?  I hope so.  

        We are alive with Christ.  Not only have the spiritual powers of darkness been disarmed (2:15), but you and I have been spiritually armed - by our connection to the head of the body - Christ Jesus (2:19).

        Do not succumb to sinful people, legalists who abuse and try and crush your spirit.  Oppose them.  Their sinful minds have made them proud.  They claim to be Christ's followers, but they are not connected to the head of the church (2:19).

        Let’s arm ourselves with God-ordained vision.  Vision of eternity.  Vision of the things of heaven.

        Let’s have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires.

        Don’t be greedy!

        Let’s put on our new nature.  Be a learner, a student, and a disciple of Jesus Christ.  He laid his life down for us.  He loves us.  May we never stop learning the ways of our Creator (3:10).

        We must be the men and women God expects of us.  We press on to conquer our evil desires.  We can, as Christ lives in us.  A sure sign a man is on the wrong track, motivated by his prideful nature is pious self-denial.  A man who is all about rules and bragging about human rules is clearly misled.  Freedom in Christ is not about self-help, willpower, and worldly wisdom.

        Nay, it is about Jesus Christ and how he can and will transform our thoughts and actions  As we grow in Christ we grow in understanding and goodness.   Yes, we fail.  But we can get back up because we believe the truth that we were raised to new life in Jesus, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

        We must set our sights on the realities of heaven - the new earth to be created after Jesus returns.  Christ will return.  At that time of final judgment He will be revealed to the whole world (3:4).  And, simultaneously, all who have died before Christ’s return will be raised to new bodies and will face judgment - final judgment.  All of the heavens and earth will be destroyed (2 Peter 3) and God will provide us with a new earth.  That is the reality of heaven.  It is a promise from our Saviour.  He is the Great Creator and it will eclipse our grandest expectations.  It will all resonate with God’s goodness.  And we, His family, get to share in His glory as children of the Dear Son.  It is not about us.  It is about God.

        Lord Jesus, thank you for the responsibility you’ve given your church.  For the ability and responsibility to live a blameless life, and a life that is not based on pious, fake religion.  May we please be used by You this day to honor You and give You the fear respect and love that You desire.  I love you Lord King, Amen.

With Ben when he was little.