Colossians 3:12-17 NLT
[12] Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. [13] Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. [14] Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. [15] 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.
[16] Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. [17] And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Good Morning!
As a follower of Christ, we are called to be different. It is so easy to follow the world’s ways and blend in with the crowd. But if we do just that, how will people know the true message of Christ and the saving power of Grace in our lives? God wants us to put our faith on a lamp-stand so that all the world will see it, not hide it, but let it shine brightly. This is how His love spreads to one another. Think about who in your life has influenced your decision to follow Christ, what if they did not follow this command from Jesus? Where would you be in your Christian walk? How many people around us have missed an opportunity to know Jesus because we did not feel up to the task of sharing our faith through our words or actions?
Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV
[14] “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
It Is Not All About Talk
Notice that in Colossians 3:17, it says whatever we “do or say.” The New King James Version translates it as whatever we do in “word or deed.”
People watch people and people are watching us in our actions and deeds. There are times when words need to be said in spreading the Gospel, and there are times when we are to just be an example and let our lives be our testimony. People will notice a difference in your life and will see the “sermon” of your life through your actions.
I once heard a preacher say, “we should be preaching all day, every day and when necessary, use words.” Things that make you say hmmmmm.
Self Inventory
Ask yourself:
- Who around me has been watching my life?
- Who has been seeing the difference in my words and deeds?
- What has made me different than the world so that others see my light?
- How can I change in my words and deeds to be sure I am following the command of Jesus?
We’re All Called (And Commanded)
As a born again believer, Jesus’ charge to us is to “go and bear fruit.” We are here today as Christ followers because other people obeyed Jesus’ command. We all need to continue to carry forward the message of God’s saving grace to the generations ahead, as it has been done before us for the past two thousand years.
John 15:16-17 NKJV
[16] You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. [17] These things I command you, that you love one another.
God Uses Ordinary People – Pray For Strength
Yes, it is a challenge for us to live as God has commanded us. God knows we are not perfect — He knows we are made from dust and He knows our frame. But He gives us strength through His spirit to tarry on and live our best life for Him. His grace is sufficient for us and He will strengthen us and lift us up as we humble ourselves before Him. The apostles of Jesus were all just ordinary men that followed Him with courage and boldness. We are no different today and we have the same access they had through God’s Word. Pray for strength and God will answer your prayer!
Psalm 103:14 NKJV
[14] For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV
[9] And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
James 4:10 NKJV
[10] Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Acts 4:13 NIV
[13] When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
Remember, whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus!
I love you and am praying for you today!
Dad