Bible Chapter: Colossians 3

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Does God expect us to live a holy life?  Absolutely.  Here we find many of His expectations.  Set you heart and mind on eternal things, not what this world offers.  Keeping heaven in mind will help keep the right perspective.  Those who follow Jesus live for Him and have died to the things worldly people live for.  What a statement - Christ is our life.  So, we must live that way.
    This means killing off all the things that are so common - immorality, lust greed, idolatry, anger, rage, slander, filthy language - and the list goes on.  As these things are killed off we are to put on the new self renewed in the knowledge of Jesus.  We are to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience and let the peace of Jesus rule in our hearts.  We are to do all of this as unto the Lord.
    Families would be much happier places if people would follow these guidelines for healthy relationships.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    This chapter is full of things to apply in daily living.  If I were to make a list of everything it says here I would have a great outline for daily living.  Verse 16 says to let the word of Christ dwell richly in me.  Get the Bible in me and let it make an impact.  As the Psalmist wrote, the Bible is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  As I hide the word in my heart I won’t sin against God.
    Verses 17 & 23 are very similar.  Whatever a person does, do it all in the name of the Lord.  Do your work as unto the Lord.  This is good advice and will make anyone a better worker at their job.  It is easy to try to cut corners and just barely get by.  Many employees try to cheat and not do all that is expected of them.  That is not what these verses say.  We are to work hard and give God glory in all we do.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I can help people see the benefits of pursuing these guidelines.  The editors of my Bible have given the heading of “Rules for Holy Living” to this chapter.  That is a good insight.  If people want to live a holy life, this is a good place to start.