If you want more-in-depth knowledge about how to have more faith in God, check out https://www.growingtoknowgod.com/spiritual-self-care-resources/.
In my previous blogpost, I dealt with the beginning of Colossians chapter three. Now, I hope to deal with the commands in the rest of the chapter. Yes, God inspires Paul to give us commandments. Why? Because we need to change gradually from our imperfect lives to be more mature as God’s grown children.
Read my mystery Divided Together 2084 for a discussion of Muslim and Christian beliefs to grow your faith.
First, in Colossians chapter three, Paul calls the church in Colossae to grow to know God better because of Jesus’ resurrection power in their lives. He gives a list of the old-nature qualities compared to filthy clothes from which we must rid our lives (verse 5): sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed (idolatry). God has perfect standards that forbid sex outside of marriage (called “hooking up” today). Another similar list is in verses eight and nine: anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language, and lying. Notice that the items on these lists (the filthy rags) involve both our inner and our outer lives.
Second, not only are we to throw away our old-nature dirtiness, but Paul also calls us to put on a list of new-nature qualities: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, thankfulness, teachableness, wisdom, and gratitude (verses 12-17).
How can we become more like Jesus? Besides reading the Bible and praying, we can claim the all-powerful victory of Jesus in his death and resurrection to give us more spiritual progress. For example, I’m a chocoholic; I love chocolate. I claimed Jesus’ victory over my love of chocolate persistently. Amazingly, God gave me more than I asked for. He took away my desires for all food except for two meals a day with only water in between! Yes, no snacks!
Read my mystery Divided Together 2104 for discussions of Hindu and Christian beliefs to grow your faith.
I’d love to hear some of your stories about God’s victories that he has given you.