New Clothes For The New Man
New Clothes for the New Life: Setting Our Minds on Things Above
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves caught up in the mundane, the material, and the momentary. But what if there was a greater purpose, a higher calling that could transform our entire existence? This is the profound message that echoes through the pages of scripture, particularly in the book of Colossians.
The apostle Paul, writing to the church at Colossae, presents us with a radical idea: "If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" (Colossians 3:1). This isn't just a casual suggestion; it's a call to completely reorient our lives.
But what does it mean to "seek the things that are above"? It's about setting our minds on the eternal rather than the temporal. It's about aligning our thoughts, desires, and actions with the will of God rather than the fleeting pleasures and pursuits of this world.
Consider for a moment the things that occupy your mind throughout the day. Are they centered on your career, your possessions, your social status? While these aren't inherently wrong, they can become idols if we're not careful. The challenge is to view our earthly responsibilities through the lens of eternity.
This shift in perspective doesn't happen overnight. It's a daily choice, a continual renewing of our minds. Paul goes on to say, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth" (Colossians 3:2). This isn't about escaping reality or neglecting our earthly duties. Rather, it's about infusing every aspect of our lives with eternal purpose.
Imagine approaching your job, your relationships, your hobbies with the mindset of "How can this glorify God and further His kingdom?" It's a transformative way of living that brings deeper meaning and satisfaction to even the most ordinary tasks.
But why should we bother with this radical reorientation? Paul provides a compelling reason: "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). This is the heart of the Christian message – in Christ, our old self has died, and we've been given a new life, one that is secure and protected in Him.
This new identity comes with a promise: "When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:4). Our ultimate destiny is to share in Christ's glory. This future hope should shape our present reality.
However, this new life isn't just about future promises. It has immediate, practical implications. Paul goes on to list behaviors and attitudes that should be "put to death" in light of our new identity: "sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5).
It's a sobering list, one that challenges us to examine our hearts and actions. But it doesn't stop there. Paul also addresses relational sins: "anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk" (Colossians 3:8). These are the things that poison our relationships and hinder our witness.
The call to "put off the old self with its practices" (Colossians 3:9) is balanced by the invitation to "put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator" (Colossians 3:10). This is the essence of the Christian life – a continual process of putting off the old and putting on the new.
This renewal isn't about self-improvement or moral reform. It's about being transformed into the image of Christ. It's a divine work, but one that requires our active participation.
In this new life, worldly distinctions fade away. Paul declares, "Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all" (Colossians 3:11). In Christ, we find a unity that transcends cultural, ethnic, and social boundaries.
So how do we practically live out this new life? It starts with a daily decision to set our minds on things above. It involves saturating our minds with God's Word, cultivating a life of prayer, and surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who encourage us in our faith.
It means viewing our daily responsibilities – whether as a parent, employee, student, or neighbor – as opportunities to reflect Christ's love and character. It requires us to be intentional about putting off sinful behaviors and putting on Christ-like virtues.
This new life isn't always easy. We'll face challenges, temptations, and failures along the way. But we're not alone in this journey. We have the indwelling Holy Spirit, the encouragement of fellow believers, and the promises of God to sustain us.
As we embrace this new life, we'll find that our priorities shift, our relationships deepen, and our impact on the world around us grows. We'll experience a peace and joy that transcends circumstances, knowing that our lives are hidden with Christ in God.
So today, let's make a conscious choice to set our minds on things above. Let's put on the new self, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. As we do, we'll find ourselves being transformed, day by day, into the image of our Creator.
This is the adventure of the Christian life – not a dull, restrictive existence, but a vibrant, purposeful journey of becoming more like Christ. It's about trading in our old, worn-out garments for the new clothes of righteousness, love, and eternal purpose.
Are you ready to embrace this new life? The invitation is open to all who would receive it. May we all learn to set our minds on things above, finding in Christ the source of true life, purpose, and joy.
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves caught up in the mundane, the material, and the momentary. But what if there was a greater purpose, a higher calling that could transform our entire existence? This is the profound message that echoes through the pages of scripture, particularly in the book of Colossians.
The apostle Paul, writing to the church at Colossae, presents us with a radical idea: "If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" (Colossians 3:1). This isn't just a casual suggestion; it's a call to completely reorient our lives.
But what does it mean to "seek the things that are above"? It's about setting our minds on the eternal rather than the temporal. It's about aligning our thoughts, desires, and actions with the will of God rather than the fleeting pleasures and pursuits of this world.
Consider for a moment the things that occupy your mind throughout the day. Are they centered on your career, your possessions, your social status? While these aren't inherently wrong, they can become idols if we're not careful. The challenge is to view our earthly responsibilities through the lens of eternity.
This shift in perspective doesn't happen overnight. It's a daily choice, a continual renewing of our minds. Paul goes on to say, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth" (Colossians 3:2). This isn't about escaping reality or neglecting our earthly duties. Rather, it's about infusing every aspect of our lives with eternal purpose.
Imagine approaching your job, your relationships, your hobbies with the mindset of "How can this glorify God and further His kingdom?" It's a transformative way of living that brings deeper meaning and satisfaction to even the most ordinary tasks.
But why should we bother with this radical reorientation? Paul provides a compelling reason: "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). This is the heart of the Christian message – in Christ, our old self has died, and we've been given a new life, one that is secure and protected in Him.
This new identity comes with a promise: "When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:4). Our ultimate destiny is to share in Christ's glory. This future hope should shape our present reality.
However, this new life isn't just about future promises. It has immediate, practical implications. Paul goes on to list behaviors and attitudes that should be "put to death" in light of our new identity: "sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5).
It's a sobering list, one that challenges us to examine our hearts and actions. But it doesn't stop there. Paul also addresses relational sins: "anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk" (Colossians 3:8). These are the things that poison our relationships and hinder our witness.
The call to "put off the old self with its practices" (Colossians 3:9) is balanced by the invitation to "put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator" (Colossians 3:10). This is the essence of the Christian life – a continual process of putting off the old and putting on the new.
This renewal isn't about self-improvement or moral reform. It's about being transformed into the image of Christ. It's a divine work, but one that requires our active participation.
In this new life, worldly distinctions fade away. Paul declares, "Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all" (Colossians 3:11). In Christ, we find a unity that transcends cultural, ethnic, and social boundaries.
So how do we practically live out this new life? It starts with a daily decision to set our minds on things above. It involves saturating our minds with God's Word, cultivating a life of prayer, and surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who encourage us in our faith.
It means viewing our daily responsibilities – whether as a parent, employee, student, or neighbor – as opportunities to reflect Christ's love and character. It requires us to be intentional about putting off sinful behaviors and putting on Christ-like virtues.
This new life isn't always easy. We'll face challenges, temptations, and failures along the way. But we're not alone in this journey. We have the indwelling Holy Spirit, the encouragement of fellow believers, and the promises of God to sustain us.
As we embrace this new life, we'll find that our priorities shift, our relationships deepen, and our impact on the world around us grows. We'll experience a peace and joy that transcends circumstances, knowing that our lives are hidden with Christ in God.
So today, let's make a conscious choice to set our minds on things above. Let's put on the new self, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. As we do, we'll find ourselves being transformed, day by day, into the image of our Creator.
This is the adventure of the Christian life – not a dull, restrictive existence, but a vibrant, purposeful journey of becoming more like Christ. It's about trading in our old, worn-out garments for the new clothes of righteousness, love, and eternal purpose.
Are you ready to embrace this new life? The invitation is open to all who would receive it. May we all learn to set our minds on things above, finding in Christ the source of true life, purpose, and joy.
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