THE NEW SELF

[27]

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - COLOSSIANS

Read Colossians 3

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience Colossians 3:12 NIV

* * *

After writing that the Colossians should avoid meaningless religious activities and rules, Paul goes on to show how the life hidden in Christ will look. The spiritual changes that take place in a believer’s behavior will be real and practical.

He writes, “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (3:7-10)

It is human nature to either err in the making of endless rules or to continue to live in a worldly life with no change in behavior. Abiding in the Spirit of Christ will inevitably bring forth fruit, especially in our relationships with other people.

* * *

Lord, whenever I begin to move away toward worldly or legalistic attitudes, renew my heart to reflect my new self which is hidden in You.

* * *

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV