A Lifetime Process

– Ponderings:

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:12-17; NIV).

These words of the Apostle Paul summarize the Christian life. Imagine how much better our world would be if everyone who called themselves a Christian would memorize and model them. Show compassion. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Forgive as Christ has forgiven you. Love. Be at peace with others. Let the message of Christ live in you. Sing to God with gratitude. And, if that doesn’t cover everything and you’re not sure what to say or do, make sure, whatever it is, that it’s done in the name of Jesus. Wow. Not easy, is it?

When speaking of faith, in Colossians 2, Paul used the metaphor of the root of a tree reaching down into the soil for stability and nourishment. In this chapter, when speaking of what our faith should look like in how we live, he uses a metaphor of putting on clothes. Clothe yourself in these things. Deciding what to wear and putting on clothes is an intentional act. We decide what to wear based on the occasion, the weather, the time of day, etc. We wash, dry, iron (well, some of you!), dry clean … all part of getting ready. We make sure our socks match!

Paul recommends the same kind of preparation when we get up in the morning and prepare to speak to someone or leave the house. Clothe yourself in compassion and kindness. Make sure you’re carrying with you forgiveness and lots of love. Keep peace in your heart. When you need a lift to keep going, sing a song of gratitude to God. Keep repeating a mantra in your head to do everything in the name of Jesus until it becomes natural. Remember that whether you’re at work, at home, or with friends, you represent Christ. Every action, word, and decision becomes an opportunity to honor him.

Paul never says this is easy. In fact, in Romans 7 he says just the opposite. Paul admits that he wakes up in the morning intending to do what is right and then somewhere during the day messes up. He admits to his own frustration with himself. I’m glad to hear him admit that, because if the Apostle Paul struggles, so can I (and so can you). The key is in the effort and the desire. So, understanding this is a process that will take a lifetime, which quality will you focus on clothing yourself with today?

Prayer: God, thank you for forgiving and loving me. Help me to clothe myself in the virtues that reflect your heart. Give me compassion for others, kindness in my actions, humility in my spirit, and patience in challenging moments. Teach me to forgive as you have forgiven me, and may your peace rule in my heart today. May everything I say and do be done in your name and for your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.