Sunday, October 06, 2013

Not About that Life

My generation has a saying "I'm not about that life" usually referring to something that we're not willing or able to do because it's uncharacteristic of, or unsuited to who we are (or who we're trying to be). In Colossians 3:1-17, Paul talks about our newness of life in Christ, telling the Colossians to put to death all the worldly things within us, the things we did and the ways we followed when we were living that life (Col 3:7). Being made new creations in Christ, we are dead to sin, and alive to God in Christ Jesus (Rom 6:11): we're not about that life.

But what is that life?


That life is one with our hearts and minds set on fornication and impurity, passion (lust), evil desire, and greed (Col 3:5). It is a life ruled by our anger, wrath, malice, slander and abusive language (Col 3:8). It is a life filled with lies, ruled by our own desires and idols that we have created for ourselves (Col 3:9).

And what are we about?

via

We're about a new life, being raised with Christ, seeking with our hearts and setting our minds on the things that are above, not what is on this earth (Col 3:1-2). In this life we have stripped off that old self, and instead are clothed with our new selves, being renewed in knowledge, i.e. our minds are being renewed (Rom 12:2), according to the image of our creator (Col 3:10).

What does this "new life" look like?


Its garments are compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience (Col 3:12). It is a willingness to forgive others (Col 3:13). Its crowning glory is love, which ties the whole outfit together (Col 3:14). Its undergarments are the peace of Christ, and it is wrapped in thankfulness (Col 3:15). It is rooted in the word of Christ, mutual teaching and correction and praise (Col 3:16).


So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
2 Corinthians 5:17


Those that wear these new life garments are recognized for their genuine love, and their tight hold on things that are good. We know them by their mutual affection and honor, by their zeal and service to the Lord. They are unique in their reaction to adversity, and show hospitality to those who are in need, and to strangers. Their goal is to live in harmony with others living this life. (Romans 12:9-21).

So what life are you about? Cuz me, I'm not about that old life.

Be blessed and shine in that new life!


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A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
and how good is a timely word! -Prov 15:23