Colossians 3:1-10 gives us why we are to ‘put on a new self in Christ’. Paul begins in verses 3:1 with the reason for our new self.  “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”  Our faith in Christ aligns us with Him and causes us to want to seek the things of God. 3:2-4 Tells us more about our new allegiance to Christ and how our thinking needs to be aligned and set on heavenly things. ² “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Having our minds set on Christ causes us to be hidden within Him, protected by His righteousness and salvation. Paul also mentions our future is set with Christ in heaven.

With those reasons in our hearts and minds, Paul leads us to the list of unsavory actions that unbelievers or those not committed to Christ indulge in: Verses 5-7 ⁵ “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ⁶ On account of these the wrath of God is coming. ⁷ In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.  Paul reminded the Colossian believers that this was what their ‘unsaved’ life looked like but No More! They are now in Christ and must put these things away and focus on their new life in Christ.

Paul tells the Colossians, and us too, that the time for action is right now, today! ⁸ “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. ⁹ Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.“

Putting off, turning away from and turning to Christ brings a new life in Him. With that new life comes renewal and knowledge of God. It is a blessed life that is renewed and lived hidden in Christ, protected by His love and righteousness. Today’s truth is: Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can have a new life that is renewed in Christ and leads to greater knowledge of God. Do you desire this new life? Christ has it. Turn to Him with a penitent heart and accept His gift of faith. He will lead you all the way!

Linda