What Not to Wear - Colossians

The book of Colossians is a new testament book that emphasizes the supremacy and all-sufficiency of Christ. Colossians tells us about Christ's character, sufficiency in Him rather than worldly wisdom, and the believer's union with Christ. As I think about what God had to say through Paul in the book of Colossians, I think about a few things. I think about Christ's character as eternal God, yet also suffering as a man to "reconcile to himself all things...by making peace through his blood." Then I think about how our hope is found not in this world, but in Christ. That our hope isn't in philosophy (Colossians 2:8), or in legalism (Colossians 2:14), in mystical teaching (Colossians 18-19), or in Asceticism (Colossians 2:20-23). Finally, we see in chapter 3, as believers, we see rather what we Should be "wearing" in our lives.

The title of this post being "What Not to Wear", comes from Colossians 3:5-17. To anyone reading, this is what God says is not just fashion suicide, it is the old earthly nature that belongs to the unbeliever. See what verse 5 says; that these things should be put to death! It is the old earthly nature, because the fact is that the majority of the world still lives this way. The Bible says to put to death "sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." While Paul is speaking to believers here, if your not sure where you stand, ask yourself if any of these things describe you. Sexual immorality isn't just those who cheat on their spouses, or is reserved for the true "players", but this goes for anything that is sexual sin. Have you looked on another person with lust, had sex with someone that you weren't married to, or viewed pornography? The list goes on, and just any one of these, just any one time is sin. If (your an unbeliever, this sin will disqualify you from heaven and the only hope lies in Jesus. Please visit the join the race tab on the home page after reading this post if you want to know more). If you are a believer, examine yourself to make sure your not putting on these old dirty clothes.

Colossians also continues on with a list of what else to stay away from, which is the old nature. It mentions anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. Really as believers, we should be clothing ourselves with "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience". So what do you need to work on? I believe God reminded me to be patient when I read this text. For some reason at the time I was being a little irritable and short. God's word comes at just the right time that we need it I believe, and He is always there to help when we seek Him.

If you want to hear about how my patience was really tested, read my next post, which will be coming soon.