Transformation - Day 16

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, 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." - Colossians 3:12-15

What a rich image - God chose you to be the holy people he loves.

You are chosen.

You are set apart (holy) for God's use.

You are loved.

If you can embrace this identity, your life will be changed.  It speaks to both God's grace in his choosing and loving you, but also his call to not leave you in sin, but to clean you up (yesterday), make you pure and holy.

It's our relationship with Jesus Christ that provides the impetus to change.

You are chosen, holy, loved.

And since YOU ARE, clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

(Be like Jesus)

Recognize that no one is perfect so stop expecting perfection.

Forgive, not ignore, those who offend you.  Be proactive in the grace department.

Jesus forgave you.  Remember the prayer that Jesus taught you - "Forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us."  Remember Jesus said that you can't find forgiveness unless you forgive others.  Remember he told Peter "seventy times seven" when Peter asked how many times to forgive.  GET THIS!

And Paul sums it all up - clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 

All you need is love . . . But not wishy, fluffy emotional love.   This is not a Kumbaya love fest.  This is love as a verb - love in action - serving, feeding, doing the tough work of investing in others, putting the interests of others above you own (THIS is NOT easy).

Time to get a VW van, buy some tie-dye tshirts . . . .?

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. 

Oh and by the way, always be thankful.

So where does God want you to start? Don't loss over this question.  Remember to replace a bad habit with a good one.  Learn to delight in making others better, in giving the compliment, holding the door, saying thank you and please, being a good listener, playing with the kids on the floor . . .

The Beatles can sing about IT, but remember where love comes from and that it's a VERB.

Transformation - Day 1

"This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. May God our Father give you grace and peace." - Colossians 1:1-3.

"Chosen by the will of God to be . . " How many of us would make such a bold declaration of identity? I wonder how this would change our lives if we could discern such a calling? Paul was in prison when he wrote these words. He was in prison because God chose him. He could put up with the lousy living arrangements because God chose him. (This from a guy who was, at one point, on the fast track toward the inner political circle in Jerusalem.)

What would your life be like if you truly knew your identity and vocation in Christ?

Jim, chosen by the will of God to be an accountant for Jesus Christ. . .

Debbie, chosen by the will of God to be a teacher for Jesus Christ . . .

Pat, chosen by the will of God to be an engineer for Jesus Christ . . .

or on another front

Stan, chosen by the will of God to be a good husband to Michelle . . .

You get the picture. How would this way of living/thinking change everything in your life and in our world?

Today, as we start this 21 day experiment in Colossians, KNOW that God has called you and is calling you. He is calling you at the very least to be "God's holy person" - a faithful brother or sister in Christ. (note and do not take lightly that this is how Paul addressed the Christians he was writing to in Colosse.)

Reflect on the weight of these words. What does it mean to be holy? to be faithful?

You have been chosen by God. God wants to change your heart and my heart - to give us identity and purpose that will keep us grounded when life isn't all fun and comfortable. Holy. Faithful. Brothers and Sisters.

Transformation starts in the heart of one.

(comments and reflections welcome - let's share to build one another up)

Transformation Series Bumper Video from Community Christian Church on Vimeo.