A Simple Call to Die

Text: Colossians 3:5-11 Theme: Because we have His Life, we are to put to death anything of our old nature. Key verses: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature…” (v. 5a) “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as…” (v. 7 – 8a) “Do not lie…since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge…” (v. 9-10a) “Here there is no Greek or Jew…slave or free, but Christ is all and is in all.” (v. 11) What God said to me: Dwayne, the message here is simple. Simple principles and thoughts are often derided as less significant and less worthy of the “serious” Christian student’s attention – as though such things are primarily for those who have not quite “arrived” to higher maturity. Yet, these deliberately simple principles are for the truly mature. These precepts summarize a life that is growing and glowing for me. This represents the very essence of your life, your serious Christian life, here on this earth. Look closer at this “simple” passage: You, Dwayne, are to put to death certain things. Don’t wait on me to do it. That is your responsibility. Yes, I am committed to forming you into the image of my dear Son. But do you really want to wait on my methods and chastening to accomplish it? And look at how specific Paul was. He named no less than twelve individual sins. Wouldn’t the “serious student” already be able to figure these out? Isn’t it sufficient to lump them all together and just say all earthly things? No. You think too highly of your thinking skills. Paul knew you would need certain items spelled out for you and all those who really are serious about glorifying me with their lives. Notice, also, that he begins with sexual immorality and ends with lying to one another. These are two of the most dangerous and common sins among my flock. They both destroy fellowship with me and with others. And the first almost always leads to the latter. Finally, I want you to see the reason Paul gives not to do all these abomidable things against me and others. He says Christ is all and is in you all. It’s that simple yet incredibly, most basically profound: Christ is Lord over everything, and what’s more, He lives and rules inside of you. My son, that should motivate you, by both fear and appreciation, to love me and serve me and praise me with your entire (hidden) life. See you to it… What I said to God: Holy and precious Lord, my God and Father, I worship You and adore You this morning. I choose to praise You all day long today. And should You call me home today, I will see You face to face and praise You even better! Forgive me when I don’t keep my covenant with my eyes, when my mind wonders onto things and places I shouldn’t do and go. Cleanse me and please fill me with Your Spirit right now. I love You and thank You for loving and living in me and my family!