Living for Christ ... Every Moment (Colossians 3:17)

Today's scripture: Colossians 3:17

This verse is one that all believers should memorize. Seriously.

We should be living for Christ. We should be dedicating ourselves every day to Him and His will. Our work. Our play. Our relationships. Our words. Our actions. Our thoughts. All should be done in the name of our Lord Jesus.

The Message paraphrases Paul's words, "Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way." Every detail. Every moment.

What would our lives be like if we really lived this way? If we really did and said everything in Christ's name?

Before we spoke, we'd ask ourselves: Does what I'm going to say glorify God? Before we acted, we'd ask ourselves: Will what I'm going to do edify myself and others?

What if we spent each moment seeking how we could honor the name of our Lord. What if we spent each moment giving thanks for God's abundant blessings.

What if.

All-Surpassing Peace (Colossians 3:15-16)

Today's scripture: Colossians 3:15-16

Nothing quite touches my soul than the concept of peace. God-given, all-surpassing peace. A peace that sustains me no matter the situation. A peace that reminds me that this world isn't my home. A peace that will "guard [my] heart and [my] mind through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7, NKJV).

I honestly don't know how someone who doesn't know Jesus has true peace. When circumstances are painful or difficult, where does she find comfort for her heart and soul? Through relationships? And what happens if those relationships fail? Through drugs or alcohol? These can destroy. Through a career? Careers end.

No, true, all-encompassing, never-ending peace comes only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This peace carries me through days when the pain and weariness are unrelenting. This peace covers me when earthly relationships fall short. This peace showers me with hope of eternity with my Savior.

And because of this beyond-understanding peace, I can rejoice. I can sing "with thankfulness in [my] heart to God."

Do you have this peace? This peace that "surpasses all understanding"? Surrender everything to the Lord. Give Him loving control of your life.

And then ask for peace. The peace of Jesus Christ.

Living as One Chosen by God (Colossians 3:12-14)

Today's scripture: Colossians 3:12-14

I began keeping a journal almost 19 years ago, just one year after I recommitted my life to the Lord. Whenever I begin a new journal (I just started number 35), I reread the previous. It's a wonderful way to reflect on my journey and God's faithfulness.

Many themes run consistently throughout: forgiveness, humility, love.

I've documented how I was able to forgive others because Jesus forgave me. I often—very often—humbly thank God for His grace and mercy He continually showers on me. I revel in the abundant and everlasting love with which He envelops me.

I am blessed. So very blessed.

My God has given me so much more than I deserve, so how can I do anything but show His love to others?

Paul wrote to the Christians in Colossae that they were to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. These are attributes that are sometimes in short supply, even (especially?) in the church. How often do we complain about others or question their service, thinking we could do something better than they? We should be sincerely celebrating how God uses others.

We're to bear with and forgive each other. How often do we hold a grudge instead of forgiving any complaint? When we hold on too tightly to anger or unforgiveness, we're allowing a cancer to grow in our hearts. One of the most freeing things we can do is forgive someone who's hurt us. I know this from personal experience.

Finally, we are to put on love, the "perfect bond of unity." I pray every day that the body of Christ would be unified, that we'd celebrate those things we have in common and agree to disagree about the rituals or traditions that aren't foundational to our faith.

If we would love each other with genuine love, we would show the world what it really means to be like Christ, the One who loves us all so much He was willing to die for us.

This is nothing less than those of us who are "chosen by God" should live.

Alive to Christ (Colossians 3:5-11)

Today's scripture: Colossians 3:5-11

When we accept the gift of salvation through belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we truly become brand new. Whatever sin we committed prior to becoming followers of Christ is forgiven, totally wiped off the map. In gratitude for what Christ did for us, we should strive to live to please Him in all we do. We cannot—we must not—continue to live in sin. If we do, we're saying that what Jesus did for us doesn't mean anything. We've received our "get out of hell free" card, and now we're just going to live how we choose.

As  Paul often wrote, "May it never be!"

We should consider our former fleshly selves as dead. Dead to immorality. Dead to impurity. Dead to anything that takes our focus off of our Lord.

Instead, we should be alive to the joy and peace that God showers upon us. We should love Him and other. We should serve Him using the gifts He's given us. We should spread His light and share His truth.

Dead to sin. Alive to Christ.

Amen.

Treasures in Heaven (Colossians 3:1-4)

Today's scripture: Colossians 3:1-4

We so often spend much of our time seeking things on earth. We seek the best house, the best car, the best job. We want the best marriage, the best children, the best friends. And none of this is bad unto itself. However, it becomes a problem when our total focus is on those things instead of things above.

As followers of Christ, we should be focused on Him and those things above. We should seek out those things that will build God's kingdom, that will have eternal value.

Instead of buying bigger and better, perhaps we should downsize and donate extra funds to missions organizations. Instead of hoarding all our "stuff," perhaps we should give it to someone less fortunate. Instead of spending the weekend watching movies with our kids, perhaps we should volunteer at a homeless shelter with them.

One day, each of us will stand before the throne of God. We will see our Savior face-to-face in all of His glory. As we stand before Him, what will we offer Him to show how we served Him? Those things we left behind that have no value whatsoever? Or will we show Him how we served Him by serving others? How we "sacrificed" on earth to help others see God's grace?

I don't know about you, but I pray I will truly listen to the words of Jesus: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal ..." (Matthew 6:19-20).