Colossians 3:11-17 (NIV)
11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
How have you been doing this week with putting on the new self? We are called to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. We are also to let peace rule in our hearts and allow the word of Christ to dwell richly in our midst. But why do we do this? What is our motivation? Do we do it because we want people to see how Christ-like we are? Or do we do these things in hope that it will change a friend or family member? If we are not careful, we can do godly things for the wrong reasons.
Our motivation is Christ. Whatever we say or do, it is done in His name. Another way of saying this is on His behalf. Colossians 3:11-17 is summed up in a way that covers every aspect of life. Every activity is to be done in obedience to the Lord Jesus and is to be accompanied by the giving of thanks to God the Father through him.[1] All that we say and do should be associated with the name of Jesus Christ. By our words and our works, we should glorify His name. If we permit anything into our lives that cannot be associated with the name of Jesus, then we are sinning. We must do and say everything on the authority of His name and for the honor of His name.[2]
We live having put on the new self so that Christ may be exalted.
Will Dungee
[1]Carson, D. A. (1994). New Bible commentary : 21st century edition. Rev. ed. of: The new Bible commentary. 3rd ed. / edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer. 1970. (4th ed.) (Col 3:12). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press.
[2]Wiersbe, W. W. (1996, c1989). The Bible exposition commentary. "An exposition of the New Testament comprising the entire 'BE' series"--Jkt. (Col 3:17). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.
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