Tag: Colossians

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Renewed perspective in Christ

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Steven Wright on Unsplash

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Colossians 3.

Paul describes a new life in Christ “since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3:9,10).

What does that mean?

I can make some sense out of it by pulling in a few other phrases from this letter.

  • Paul prayed that these Christians would “be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (1:9).
  • “Christ is the image of the invisible God” (1:15).
  • “In [him] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (2:3).

In the larger context of this letter, Paul doesn’t want these believers to get deceived or distracted by philosophy, human traditions and teachings, or other spiritual diversions. Instead, an understanding of our new life in Christ comes from him.

Interestingly, the first thing I did when I wondered, “What does this mean?” is ask Google. Of course I went to AI for some insight. As we all do these days. I know, it would have been better to use scripture to interpret scripture. Jesus said, “If you abide in my word…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31,32). Sometimes all you have to do is ask.

The world certainly looks different with Jesus in the picture. As a second Adam, he helps us understand what God has in mind for our lives. In fact, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him – these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit” (1 Cor. 2:9,10).

The “new self” isn’t just about better behavior. It’s an understanding of what God had in mind all along, or renewed “knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

Before my cataract surgery, I used to reach for my glasses first thing in the morning. Otherwise, I couldn’t see much of anything, much less the time on the clock. A daily dose of scripture works the same way, bringing God’s grace and love into focus so we can live, really live, each day.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Rooted, built up, strengthened, and overflowing

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Ephraim Mayrena on Unsplash

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Colossians 2.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6,7).

In a world full of experts and advice, it’s easy to relegate Jesus to our spiritual bookshelf, only pulling him out as a reference once in a while. There is always another app, program, subscription, or free guide to upgrading our lives. Plenty of influencers promise to guide us through life’s maze of challenges and opportunities. My social media algorithm leads me down paths of better dog behavior, sourdough bread recipes, coffee, and fitness programs.

However, even though Jesus said, “It is finished,” He’s not done yet. Even though his work of salvation is complete, he’s not done with me. Being alive in Christ means a daily chance to grow, get stronger, and experience ever more gratitude.

Do you know why only he can do what others can only promise. First, none of them are really interested in you. They’re all selling something. Can they produce a better version of you? Maybe. Will they profit? Of course. That’s the bottom line.

Christ, on the other hand, is interested (love) and invested (his life) in me. His purpose is not just a better me. It’s a new me, a new creation. Each day he provides me with opportunities to sink my roots, stretch my branches, feel some power, and overflowing with him. Whether in private or with my Christian brothers and sisters, he keeps pouring out grace on me.