Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Colossians 3:12-13, “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 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.”
Background & Application
Each of us is familiar with what happens when a new regime takes over an organization. whether in business, sports, school, or even church, When new leadership arrives, we expect to see changes. The new decision-makers have a specific way that they operate along with their own set of expectations, so changes have to occur. and I would submit to you that nothing less is expected of us when new ownership takes up residence in our hearts. I’m sure many of us felt less than beloved before we knew Christ, and I dare say none of us would have described ourselves as holy. But that’s how He sees us, that’s our new title in His organization. He takes us from the ditch and puts us in the corner office with the leather chair. And what about the new expectations? Oh, there’s plenty of them, but then again, there’s really only one. He says to fill yourself with compassion and humility, be kind and meek, forgive with a longsuffering that has no end. He says because you’re a somebody now, live like you’re a nobody. Because you rule with Me in eternity, serve those that might still be in the ditch, or worse. He says to stop striving because we’ve already arrived. And holiness is our lack of striving. holiness is Jesus, our King, showing Himself to the world through us. Holiness is the new expectation.
Charge
As we pray today, let’s ask our King if we are living as holy and beloved ones. And when He answers, let’s ask for ears to hear. And if there’s something you’re not ready to change, ask God for help. He’s in the holiness business.
