Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ,

set your sights on the realities of heaven.

The realities of heaven, hmmm.

Set your hearts, your affections, on things above.

Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

How much of our time is consumed thinking about, worrying about, the things of this transitory earth.

Why should we be setting our minds on things above?

For you died to this life,

and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.

That's where our real life is.

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, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.

You used to do these things

when your life was still part of this world.

But now is the time

to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.

Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

Put on your new nature,

and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

Christ is all that matters.

You must clothe yourselves

with tenderhearted mercy, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.

Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.

For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.

And always be thankful.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.

Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.

Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

And whatever you do or say,

do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:1-16

P.S.

I was drawn to this portion of scripture because yesterday as I left for work,

the verse I grabbed was, Ephesians 6:7

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Later last night at the youth center I saw part of the verses on the wall by the door...

Whatever you do,

work at it with all your heart,

as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23

Work willingly at whatever you do,

as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

jim@christiancommentary.com