As believers in Christ, we are called to live a life that is distinctly different from the world around us. In Colossians 3:2, Paul instructs us to set our hearts and minds on things above, not the things of this world. To focus on the things above, there are things of this world, some habits, attitudes, practices, and sins that need to go. We have to begin to remove and separate ourselves from any destructive behavior or attitudes. Remember back to Workshop Two, we move from the darkness into the light, because we are children of light. In Colossians 3, the list of things we need to remove from our life is fairly inclusive: evil attitudes, evil speech, deception, and several types of impurity. The list of things we should strive towards is similar to many of the traits and virtues we discussed in this course. Some of the characteristics include compassion, kindness, humility, and honesty. The love of Christ is what ties these virtues together. As believers in Christ, these virtues should shine from our lives.
Colossians 3:2-10 (NIV):
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Colossians 3:12-14(NIV):
Therefore, as Gods 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.
Requirement:
1.Reread Colossians 3:2-10 and Colossians 3:12-14.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3%3A2-10+&version=NIV
2. Reflect and respond to the following questions.
3.How well are you modeling these traits?
4.Are you still hanging onto old characteristics or sins or trying to be clothed in both the old and new at the time?
5.Identify an area that takes your focus off God? How does this area consume your time?
6.It is hard to sin and focus on God at the same time. By releasing the sin, how do you think that will change your focus on God?
Your reflection post should be at least one full page in length and incorporate at least one Scripture other than those covered in the assignment, that supports your post.
