•Saturday, May 15, 2010
"And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father," Colossians 3:17 NLT
If you claim the name of "Christian," then your life should reflect Christ. Originally this term was use derisively, "Little Christs," by those who were against this new religious sect. But the followers of Jesus took this name and claimed it as their own: those who know him should be little Christs. We should exemplify Christ-like attitudes and behaviors.
What does this look like? Paul tells us we need to "put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy... get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don't lie to each other." Instead, "you must clothe yourselsves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience... Forgive anyone who offends you... clothe yourselves in love... let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts... And always be thankful."
Now if you say, "I do that every day," I know you have one more sin to confess before the Lord! None of us live in perfect purity, peacefulness, and gratitude. I know that I don't! But every day is a new opportunity to seek the aid of the Holy Spirit in conforming myself into the image of Christ.
We are his representatives in a world filled with brokenness and pain. We need to shine the light to show the way for those who are in darkness. We have a marvelous hope and joy within us that others need to see.
If you claim the name of "Christian," then your life should reflect Christ. Originally this term was use derisively, "Little Christs," by those who were against this new religious sect. But the followers of Jesus took this name and claimed it as their own: those who know him should be little Christs. We should exemplify Christ-like attitudes and behaviors.
What does this look like? Paul tells us we need to "put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy... get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don't lie to each other." Instead, "you must clothe yourselsves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience... Forgive anyone who offends you... clothe yourselves in love... let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts... And always be thankful."
Now if you say, "I do that every day," I know you have one more sin to confess before the Lord! None of us live in perfect purity, peacefulness, and gratitude. I know that I don't! But every day is a new opportunity to seek the aid of the Holy Spirit in conforming myself into the image of Christ.
We are his representatives in a world filled with brokenness and pain. We need to shine the light to show the way for those who are in darkness. We have a marvelous hope and joy within us that others need to see.
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