Colossians 3:12
I AM VULNERABLE
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;“
Do you ever forget who you are and whose you are? Coaches don’t let their players forget. They remind them, “We’re the fighting Tigers!” In other words, “Go out there and fight to win! You’re a mean, tough Tiger!” Nations also remind citizens who they are. We fly flags and sing national anthems. Parents may call children to proper behavior by saying, “Act like a Jones,” or whatever the family name is. In Colossians 3:12 and following, Paul reminds us to whom we belong and to reflect Christ in our thoughts, attitudes, and relationships. But how do we do that and why? The answer to why is because we’re vulnerable to our old nature. Jesus warns us in Matthew 15:19, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.” But weren’t we circumcised in Christ and aren’t we new creations? Yes, but take a quick look at some of your thoughts and behaviors and you’ll see that we’re still vulnerable to our old nature. The good news is, we can choose to daily “put on” or “fill” our hearts to reflect who we are in Christ just as we put on clothing according to what we intend to do for the day. For instance, Wednesday, I put on jeans and tennis shoes to babysit our grandkids. After babysitting and upon arriving at the office, I explained why I had on tennis shoes; which I don’t typically put on for work. After work, my husband and I played golf so I came home and put on golf shoes and clothing. Yesterday, I put on white slacks and a cute top to go to our Prayer Team meeting and then take a friend to lunch. Upon arriving home from work, I put on exercise clothes to go to Zumba. In other words, I chose what I put on according to what I intended to do. The penetrating question for us today and everyday is, what are our intentions? The best way to avoid being vulnerable to our “old nature” is to put on Christ’s likeness every morning and continue through the evening.
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me the righteous character of Christ. Fill my heart today to overflowing with all that reflects Him.
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Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
CHOSEN of GOD, HOLY & BELOVED
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of …“
“Chosen of God, holy and beloved” should be laminated and worn daily as a reminder of who we Christians are. Would it make a difference if it were dangling as a necklace from our necks as we discipline our children? Would it cause us to think twice before we honked our horn at someone who edged into our parking place? How would the reminder affect us when we’re grappling with feelings of low self-worth? What effect woud the reminder have on Satan as he prowls, seeking someone to devour? Might he turn and look for someone weak in their faith, rather than us? How might “chosen, holy, and beloved” affect the tone of our voice when meeting with a coach, teacher, or business associate with whom we’re upset? How would it affect our converstation with someone with whom we’re chatting? How would it affect our attitude toward our spouse, sibling, or parent? God chose (elected) us to be holy and blameless. He loves us. Since we weren’t holy and blameless, He made us holy and blameless in Christ. Now, God wants us to act like who we are and whose we are.
Heavenly Father, forgive me. Too often I forget who I am and whose I am. Replace my rebellious spirit with Your Spirit so they I act and speak in ways that honor and glorify Your name.
From If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?