Change!!!

If there is one word that sums up Colossians chapter 3 is the word change.  I would even say the correct sentiment that Paul is trying to communicate would be CHANGE!!! (yes, with capitals, in boldface and exclamation points) The reason for this change is clearly set out in verses one through three when he says, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”

As I look back at my life, I am amazed how I have changed over the years. There used to be a time when I loved the urban life.  I have spent quite a deal of time in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.  I used to love the late nights, the pressure, the stress, the noise and the opportunity to meet different people from all nations on this green earth. I would even drive all night through to get from point A to point B!

As I look at my life now, I wonder how on earth I used to like all those things! Now, I enjoy my quiet family life; I enjoy living in a place where traffic jams are unheard of.  I go to sleep early.  I watch what I eat, and I am very mindful of how I spend my time.  And for sure, I wouldn’t dare to drive all night long to get somewhere! I have good reasons for these changes.  You see, I am a father, I am a husband, I have responsibilities and I know I am closer to heaven than to the cradle.  And I have definitely had some close encounters with deer driving late at night. Things have definitely changed for me!  How could I NOT change then??

In the same fashion, if you are in Christ, things have definitely changed as well. We have been raised to new life.  We have died to this life and our real life is hidden with Christ in God.  We will share in all of His glory.  As believers in Jesus, things have changed for us.  Then, the obvious question should be How could we NOT change??? How could we NOT get rid of everything that is against God?  How could we NOT put on the new nature?  How could we NOT learn to know our creator?  How could we NOT clothe ourselves in love?

Socrates, the famous Greek philosopher once said: “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new” Let’s focus our energy in the words of Paul in Colossians 3, and change to bring glory to God in everything we say and do.