Colossians 3

After warning the Colossians to guard against false teachers and a deep analysis of the Colossian Heresy, Paul touches on the golden rules of holy living. First is about the old self and new self, followed by the rules for Christian households, then in chapter 4, further instructions for the believers.

Paul advises the Colossians to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”. As I contemplate, I feel the fall of humankind. It is not just happening in our century but ages ago. Since sin came into this world, we see a diversity of our earthly nature. It is not surprising to see that often times, even though we heard and knew Paul’s teaching, we still find ourselves consciously or sub-consciously entangled in our worldly living, living up to what people might think of us and not God alone. In verse 5, Paul actually asks us to “Put to Death” all our earthly nature from sexual immorality to idolatry. The phrase “Put to death” should never be taken lightly. This is because the moment we accept Christ into the centre of our life, we are pronounced as a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come. This implies that all the dirt has been wiped away, that now we are presented a new image to live a life to please and honour God, from scratch. God promises that we will also appear with Jesus in glory during the 2^nd coming of Jesus. Arriving to the checkpoint, we can evaluate ourselves how close we have been embracing Paul’s teaching in the early part of this chapter.

1. If God asks us to let go of our relationship that is so dearly to us, are we willing to?
2. If God asks us to forego our business that is blossoming and making huge profits to be a full time servant of God, are we willing to?
3. If we heard the voice of God condemning us that “hey don’t you realize that you are so materialistic and image-conscious?” and we know we need to change, how much struggle do you think you will face?
4. If God says “Live a prudent life even if you have all the richness of the rich”, will you obey or you will tell God, “No… This is how my life has been and I want to keep my status quo within my peers”.

What will Jesus do? It is never easy, but the core issue is, are we willing? Recalling what Pastor Wilson preached on Sunday about his consensus decision with Pastor Lai Ling that they will Not hold on tightly what they possess on this earth. The truth is that when we grab hold of something tightly, we would never want to let go. The process will be supremely difficult. It can be because of the long established relationship, feelings, investment, and even our heart and soul are given into it. The notion is that, why not we embrace the Truth and God’s teaching and never let it go? If we can hold on to our relationship with someone so dearly, don’t Jesus deserve more than that?

Paul continues on his teaching by talking about different aspects of Dos and Donts. One that I would like to highlight is the filthy language from our lips. I am particularly sensitive towards the language that people use. I do have friends who greet and say byebye with their “artistic” language. The Book of Proverbs has been repetitive in advising us that tongues are destructive, not just about filthy language. We as the ambassadors of Christ should be extraordinary careful in our speech, so that the fragrant of God can be passed on, rather than pass people out.

Paul also mentions in V11 that “Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but CHRIST IS ALL, AND IS IN ALL.” Christ transcends all barriers and unifies people from all cultures, races and nations. Such distinctions are no longer significant. Christ alone matters and that’s why, His salvation is for all! Not just a particular group of people.

Verses 12-17 are one of my favourite bible passages. It is straight forward and easy to understand, teaching us to uphold the values of compassion, patience, kindness, humility, gentleness, forgiveness, peace, thanksgiving, grateful, and on top of all, Love.

I love verse 18, “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” Now I have a question to ask, does the phrase “fitting in the Lord” means “do so, submit fully to your husband, but not anything that goes against God’s commandment and will”? Godly men should not be harsh with their wives, but like me, tender hearted.

All in all, lets live a life all unto God, not for men, not for your boyfriend, not to win attention, not to win favour but due to the reverence for the Lord. The key is that we need to rely on God, and always keep ourselves in check. We are not serving men, but God. It is tedious to serve man, for our wants and desires change constantly, but God He doesn’t. He is the same yesterday today and tomorrow. He breathed everything in the Bible, and what He desires, is simply to see a life that is wholly given, consecrated, honouring, pleasing and praising God in everything that the life embarks on. I pray that all of us will be renewed and transformed daily by the power of His word and Spirit, knowing the eternal inheritance as a reward. Amen!