Good morning,
When Saul, the hater of believers in Christ, received Christ, his life was completely changed, including his name to Paul. Everywhere he went he was telling them about Jesus Christ.
In the letter to the Colossians Paul encourages them to follow Christ. Paul tells them that they are risen with Christ, forgiven and why, challenges them to seek Christ, and contrasts the old man and the new man.
We will look at each of these areas during this week’s devotions.
New man: Put ON (Colossians 3:10-15)
“And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
When we trust Christ as Savior and Lord we are changed. We are “…renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” We have the knowledge of Christ.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
God gives us new desires and motivations. We should see a change in how we live our lives. The character qualities listed should be evident in our lives.
The life of Christ demonstrates these characteristics. Take any story about Jesus and one of these character qualities will appear. Jesus is our example. When we see Jesus, we see what we should desire to be.
The other thing to remember is that Jesus was, before our salvation, and is now, doing all these things for us. Think about His forgiveness of our sin, His mercy, His kindness, His longsuffering, and His charity, love.
These character qualities bind. They bring people together. They build up people. These are the character qualities that make the body of Christ work efficiently.
Have we put on the new man? Do we desire to be like Jesus? Are we willing to obey God’s word and become more like Christ?
Today would be a good day to start!
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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