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The Bond of Perfection

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.   Colossians 3:12-17

Wow! There is a lot in these 6 verses! If we are children of God, these verses should come easy, right? I must admit, I have read these verses many times, but as I look at them right now, this seems anything but easy! So I need to be kind, loving, meek, humble, merciful, and patient all at the same time, and oh yea, be thankful too.

As I continue reading though, I see this would be difficult in my own strength. I need to exhibit these characteristics in the name of Jesus. Wow, still very difficult, as I sometimes want to rely on me, not Jesus.

Then as I am meditating on the above passage, a verse from Galatians comes to mind. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

So, I suppose if I no longer live but Christ lives in me, that should make things much easier, right? Especially since in Romans 8:8 it says So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

I pray as I go through each day, I can operate through Christ and not out of my own flesh. I pray I can demonstrate the characteristics described in Colossians 3:12-17. I want people to see Christ, not me. How will you devote today?

Originally written: January 15, 2016

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