With Enthusiasm

Paul here is addressing slaves and their attitude towards the work they are doing. But really, he is addressing us all. We all,have earthly masters that we work for whether is be an employer, a parent, our partner, our children, or even a stranger that we are serving. Whatever we are doing, God does not want it to be drudgery to us. Remember that what we are doing, we are doing for God. He created us. he loves us. He has a plan for our lives. What we are doing today is part of His plan for us. Rejoice in that and work with enthusiasm. Even if your work is monotonous and you think there's got to be something better for you to do - perhaps there is - still remember that you are working for God and to work with enthusiasm because of His lavish love for you. Maybe you're labor img in a position where you've lost a beloved leader - keep working with enthusiasm because you have not lost the love of your heavenly leader. By all means, if you feel God is leading you on to something else, pursue it. With enthusiasm! But as you wait for that to be revealed, continue to work as for God with enthusiasm. Perhaps you're in between jobs, there are still things you should be doing. Do them with enthusiasm. God gave His best for you. Give your best for Him.

Does It Fit?

We sometimes don't want to talk about submission. It seems demeaning to us. But when we realize the context, it becomes easier to understand.

Wives submit to your husbands. God has provided a special blessing to you ladies - your husband. He's not perfect. Perhaps he is far from it. But God has given him to you. He is part of you and you are part of him. Submitting doesn't mean that you are giving up all of yourself but that you are yielding yourself so that together God can have His way through the two of you. Your wants aand desires are part of your husband and he should be sensitive to them as he is leading.

As is fitting in the Lord. This is not some that constrains us, but something that we rise up to. It is not as if we are little girls trying on Mommy's high heels and stumbling about as we try to walk. No, we are growing into them as we and our husbands grow into being the couple that God wants us to be. Isn't that beautiful?

Time To Get Dressed

I don't know about you, dear reader, but I really love reading through Colossians. Each little serving of a few verses each has been a rich meal for me. Today, as I read chapter 3 verses 12 through 17, it was a feast that makes Thanksgiving dinner look meager. I only want to touch on one verse here today for fear of overeating. Perhaps, after I have finished blogging through the rest of Colossians, I will come back and feast on the leftovers.

But, now it's time to get dressed. Not for a night out on the town, but perhaps in our Sunday best. And not just on Sunday, but every day for the rest of our lives.

We must get dressed because we are chosen by God. He sought us out. He set us apart. We are dearly loved. We are His Bride!

We should put on a heart of mercy. Are you compassionate? Reach out to those in need. Share love with them. What do they need? Share it with them.

Put on kindness. In a world full of grumpy, got to get things done, me first people, smile at them. Say nice words to them. Turn their frowns upside down.

Dress yourselves with humility. Don't think the worst of yourself. Remember you are loved by God. But, consider others higher than yourself. Put their needs before your own. Jesus came to serve. You can too.

Wear gentleness. Don't be a bull in a china shop. Don't tremble in fear as if you're walking on eggshells. But walk strong and gentle as if you are cuddling and caring for a dearly beloved newborn babe.

Clothe yourself with patience. Life does not come with guaranteed overnight shipping. Not everything gets done in the microwave oven in under five minutes at full power. Some things take time. Wait for it. Always anticipate that God is still at work and wait patiently acting in faith that what He is doing will be brought to completion.

Are you dressed now? Well, take a look at yourself in the mirror and smile. You're beautiful!

Are You Finished With That?

OK, I'll admit it. I'm not much of a neat freak. When I'm finished using something, I'll often leave it laying around somewhere instead of putting it away. Sometimes, I'll see it laying there and pick it up and use it again before putting it away. Convenient or just lazy?

Paul is telling us here in Colossians to put things away. Of course, if we're to be putting them away, that means we need to be finished with the,. Anger: be finished with it. Rage: stop it and put it away! Malice: put it down and put it away. Slander: but, I like slander. Nope. Put it away. Abusive language: no more. Put it away.

All of this belongs to our old self. Since, we have died with Christ and are living in Him, we have a new self. None of this belongs to the new self. Put it away and put on your new self. You're going to like it.

Keep Seeking

If you have been raised with Christ...

Were you once dead in your sins? Are you now alive in Christ? You have been raised with Christ! At the Holy Spirit's leading, you sought the things above and found them. But, don't stop seeking them.

Every day, every hour, seek the things above for that is where Christ is to be found. Don't just look up and gaze at the clouds or the stars. Look up and see the magnificence of Christ!

Why Do You Stll...

Have you ever known someone who you could tell from the way they talked wasn't from around here? Could you tell by the way they dressed or acted? Maybe you know someone who moved from Florida to Massecgusetts and in the middle of winter when there's a foot of snow on the ground, they're still wearing shorts and a t-shirt outside. Would you ask them why they're dressed that way when it doesn't seem to be appropriate? What would you say if they responded, "I'm from Florida. I always wear shorts and a t-shirt." When someone has made such a change in state, they should change their actions in a manner appropriate to their new state.

Likewise, when we have truly become Christ's, having moved from the kingdom of the world and of he law to the kingdom of God and of grace, should we keep living according to the law? Absolutely not! The law may be useful to us, but grace should shape who we are. Never should we fear to step out in faith and follow Christ because we fear what the world will think of us. We are dead to the world and alive in Christ! The chains are broken. You are free! It is easy not to change and still do what you have always done, but you dear reader aren't from around here. Live like it!

The Reality Is Christ

How many things do we pursue because of what others want of us? Do we worry about whether to do something because it makes us a better Christian? The answe, sady for me, is yes. There are plenty of times I worry about having to do this or having to do that because that's what people expect of me or want to impose on me rather than just kicking back and doing what God wants me to do. These things, in fact, may be things that God does want me to do, but it is not these things that make me a better Christian. These things are only a shadow and though the have the image of Christ, they are not Christ! The reality is Christ! 100% authentic reality - Christ! I want reality - not fantasy or virtual reality. I want Christ!

So, I will seek Him and Him only. If He leads me to do these other things that others want me to do, I will do them because He wants me to.