22 July - Colossians 3

Today we’re reading Colossians 3. Below are a few things to think about:

1. Paul beings this chapter by saying that if you’ve been given a new life by following Jesus you should set your thoughts on higher things. You should be growing in your relationship with God instead of focusing on things that are temporary. 
2. He goes on to say that your new life shouldn’t look just like your old life. We need to do away with the things that were slowly destroying us and others around us.
3. Paul plainly tells us the traits we should be showing in our new life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all love. He also tells us that everything we do, we do for Jesus as a “thank you” for giving us a second chance on life.

Do you see yourself as having a “new life” as a result of following Jesus? If not then you’re missing out on one of the best parts of having a relationship with God. We don’t have to be chained to our past. We’ve been given a second chance at living a full life. Does your “new life” look exactly the same as your “old life?” If so, ask God what needs to be changed to start growing closer to him. Last, does your life reflect the traits Paul listed that are evidence of our new life in Jesus? Choose just one of them to focus on this week.