PUT ON CHRIST

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12 NLT

        Have you ever wondered how God expects us as believers to act in our daily lives?  Paul, in his letter to the believers in Colossae, lays it out plainly and clearly.  It isn’t given to us as a suggestion or an option.  If we are to properly represent the Lord in this lifetime we must learn to take on His characteristics.  God chose us to be a holy people.  People with a moral and ethical compass that points directly to their creator.  We are not to free lance things, but rather submit to His commands.  This is why Paul stresses to his readers that they (and we) MUST clothe ourselves with Christ’s characteristics. This may not come naturally for some of us, but if we strive for compliance with God’s wishes the Holy Spirit within us will show us the way. 

       The characteristics listed are very much indicative of how Jesus lived when He walked the earth.  Our best efforts on our own fail; we must emulate the Master.  Rather than behave in a way that we feel God wants us to behave, study His word and know.  Like anything that is worthwhile, it will take a constant effort on our part to be like Christ in our daily walk.  God will enable us if we try.

       Those who insist they believe in God yet have no evidence to back up their assertion will find out all too soon that they’ve made a critical error in judgment. They didn’t take the time to live a pleasing life before God.  They thought simply acknowledging Him was enough?  We are called to live a moral and ethical life. Anything less falls short of what God intended for us.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!