Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.
After accepting Christ in our lives, I believe we all have a moment when we think okay “I’m saved, now what?”. Today’s devo is in Colossians chapter 3, and there we’ll find a short but clear answer to that very question.
I chose to read from my NIV Bible which titled chapter 3 as “Rules for Holy Living.” Wow, I immediately felt the pressure of “Rules” (ridged) and “Holy Living” (perfection)! Deep breath in, hold, and let it out. It's okay. We’ve got this. Go ahead and read chapter 3. I’ll wait, then we’ll talk...
Okay first, it’s interesting to point out that Paul is talking to the saved (not the unchurched) and is bluntly calling out all the things we have done in our “earthly nature”, aka sinful nature. And in total “Paul fashion”, he ever so delicately (heavy sarcasm implied) lists some examples of what “not to do” anymore. Followed by another list of things we need to “rid yourselves of”. But what really caught my attention was the first few little words of verse 8 “But now you must”. Wait, you’re telling me that after we’re saved is when this process begins? That’s right, God knows we are sinners and the only way we can overcome these earthly lusts and desires is through Him and with Him. So, if you’re reading this and have not accepted Christ as your savior, please don’t be fooled into believing “I have to be perfect before I can be saved”. Here is a clear scriptural proof of the contrary! Jesus teaches us to come to Him as you are (usually weak and weary, not perfect and strong), then He will work together with you to “Put to death” our earthly nature, and “clothe yourselves” with His righteousness.
What does this look like? Verses 3:12-4:6 cover this question pretty well, but I personally want to focus on verse 3:17 and verses 3:23-24. These verses stand out with that all-encompassing “God style answer” that shatters all the petty self-serving ways we try to skirt around the things we don’t want to do and/or the things we want to do that we know we shouldn’t. In these three verses, Jesus says (in my own words) “When you follow me, it’s simple; treat every aspect of your life as if it is directly for me, to me, or by me”. Easily explaining how we are to treat and forgive each other, how we sing songs and give praise, how to lead our households, and how to properly handle our jobs. Personally, I love how this applies to our home and work; for me it was an eye opener and an excuse destroyer (exactly what I needed). In my own words I see verses 3:18-4:6 and process it more like this now. “Wives submit to your husband as your Husband submits to God, Husbands treat you wives as God treats you, Children obey your parents as they obey God, Fathers grant your children grace for encouragement as God has given you grace, Slaves obey your masters as if you’re working for God, masters treat your servants right and fair as God has done for you”. The first time reading these verses; I saw it as some kind of straight-lined hierarchy chart (from more important to leaser important). But later, I visualized it in a circular fashion with an edge of equality among us, and God as the center. Seeing no one on the edge was more important than the next nor the focal point. The focal point was always God in the center of the verses and the connector to everyone on the edge of my visualized circle! This understanding dramatically helped me to focus on the things that matter in this new life, and how to serve Christ in everything we do. Hopefully this will encourage you as well, God Bless.
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.