Colossians 3:7

Colossians 3:7

 

You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.

 

We often needs reminders that we are not who we once were…we are not the same people, and are not intended to be the same people, that we were before we received Christ through the Holy Spirit and Baptism. Before Christ, we were folks doomed for destruction and condemnation. Before Christ, we were largely hopeless…we couldn’t keep from sinning, we couldn’t do enough good to make up for our sin, and not a one of us was interested in receiving our just punishment. Before Christ, we were handcuffed by sin…prisoners to its death grip…we had no way of getting out from underneath it’s crushing weight. Then Christ entered the mix…then God, in the form of man, beat sin to death. He died and rose from the dead, fully defeating any grip that sin once had on us. Through faith in Christ, we are set free…we no longer submit to sin, but rather we submit to the Lord. We are no longer hopeless, but now we are hopeful. We have a reason to look at tomorrow, and our eventual death with a triumphant smile. Yes, we can view our very own death as something to actually look forward to. It sounds nuts, buts its true. For we know that when the lights turn off in this life, something beyond incredible will turn on in heaven. Therefore as we acknowledge this reality, we must remember to put off our old ways…our old sinful lives…and eagerly embrace a disciplined purpose in serving the Lord. As it states in verse 5, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry”…and in verse 8, “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” Now we do this not in an attempt to somehow earn our salvation, but rather as a way to profess our love, dedication, and commitment to our incredibly loving, gracious, and merciful Lord. There is simply no greater purpose for our lives than to serve The Almighty. To God alone be the glory!