Colossians 3:12-17 "Clothe Yourselves, Part 1"

Read Colossians 3:12-17.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves." NIV

Paul has made it very clear that our old self has died, and we are made new in Christ. He has pointed out the continual choices we must make to avoid the evil things of the earth. We must participate in an active avoiding and run from the temptations that are always before us.

We have been cleansed and warned, now, as "holy and dearly loved" children of the Almighty, we must actively put on some things. Christ cleansed us from the old ways, but we must choose to put on the new. It doesn't happen automatically. We are on a transformational journey, not a quick-change moment. So we work (and it is work) to consciously seek to wear the character of Christ. God may choose to confront us with one of these at a time, but we must actively be working on them to be more like Him.

Compassion: Merriam-Webster's definition is "sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it." This takes a purposeful desire to put away selfishness and really look at other people. I must set aside my agenda and serve them. The human mindset of "it's all about me" just doesn't cut it. I must take time to look, listen, and act on another person's behalf to truly show compassion.

Kindness: How we treat others. Do we bad-mouth them or lift them up? Do we give people the benefit of the doubt or condemn outright? Do we compliment or tear down? Do we show the respect that all human beings desire and deserve?

Humility: "The state of being humble" which is "not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive" (Merriam-Webster) Without humility we can easily take on an attitude of "I am better than you. I am above you." Which can lead to "You are not worth my time." Also, a lack of humility can cause us to be judgmental. We are unable to extend grace because in our haughtiness we conveniently forget that we too are imperfect, saved-by-grace sinners. And without humility, we can succumb to the temptations of a god complex. In our pride, we think we are doing everything by our power and deny the true authority in Christ. So many ways to stubble when we ignore the need to embrace humility.

Gentleness: "the quality or state of being gentle ; especially : mildness of manners or disposition" And gentle is "free from harshness, sternness, or violence." (Merriam-Webster) I don't know how many times God has made "gentleness" my word for the year. You'd think I would get it by now, but He's still working on me. (I just want to be like Sister Teresa.) In confrontations, gentleness allows us to calm the savage beast of anger and frustration in others. When we answer affronts with gentleness, the enemy is disarmed. They have no where to go with their anger because you are not being hurt or affected. When we discipline our children in gentleness, we are instructing instead of lashing out. Even when Christ was angry with the disciples, He maintained a gentle spirit.

Patience: Of course this is the act of being patient. Patient is defined as "bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint; manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain; not hasty or impetuous; steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity." (Merriam-Webster) Wow, that's a lot to live up to. No wonder I have such a difficult time with this one.

The great thing is with patience and all the other virtues, I don't have to master them on my own. I choose to clothe myself, but it is Christ who actually makes me into this person. It is by His transforming power that any of this is even possible. I am to allow myself to be the clay in the Master Potter's hands. He alone will be able to mold me into the Christ-like character that He calls me to live. I just need to agree to get dressed.

Further Thoughts:

1. Find examples of Christ exemplifying each of these characteristics.
2. What are ways the five characteristics will overlap with one another?
3. What area is Christ working on with you right now? How are you doing?
4. Find other Scriptures on each of these characteristics and memorize the ones pertaining to your growth right now.

Joseph: Genesis 40:1-41:1 "Serving in the Dungeon"

Read Genesis 40:1-41:1.

“The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them.” NIV

Joseph is still in prison when the king’s cupbearer and baker are put in the same place, and Joseph is given the task to take care of them. After they had been there a while, they each have a dream the same night and want someone to interpret it. Joseph says only God can and listens to their dreams. In three days the cupbearer will be restored to his position, and the baker will be executed. All Joseph asks for his help with the interpretations is that the baker will remember him and help to get his release. But the baker forgot him.

We have several lessons we can glean from this passage. One, God will still give us jobs to do in places we never expected to be used. Joseph did not choose or deserve to be in prison let alone in Egypt. These things had all been unjustly imposed upon him. Joseph even pleads this case to the cupbearer. Yet, even under these conditions, God’s plan was at work, and He needed Joseph’s obedience. Joseph could have really shut down by this point – in despondency, depression, or anger at God. But instead, he remains faithful to his true Master and continues to serve Him no matter where he is or why he is there.

Secondly, Joseph gives God the glory. He doesn’t claim the ability to interpret dreams so he will get the praise. He gives all the credit to God. Joseph knows where the power comes from even if he may feel powerlessly abandoned by the Powerful. True commitment will eventually override feelings of doubt every time. Trials are going to come, but we must stand firm on the foundation of God’s faithfulness.

No matter how much we serve, sometimes we will be forgotten by the people we are serving. Joseph only asked the cupbearer to remember him when he receives back his official position. Maybe he could help out the man who helped him. But the cupbearer forgot him until two years later. Can you just imagine Joseph sitting day after day in that dungeon for two years wondering if today will be the day he is remembered.

No matter what circumstances we face, no matter how much we serve without recognition, no matter how often we are forgotten by those we serve, the Father never forgets us. In what looks like a hopeless situation God truly is still in control. He sees Joseph’s pain and hurts with him. But the greater good that will come out of this – for Joseph and for the Hebrew nation outweighs the temporary discomfort Joseph must endure. And meanwhile, God is building on Joseph’s character in ways that he will need later.

Further Thoughts:

1. Who else saw God's activity in the dark times?
2. Read the story of Baruch. How is he like Joseph here?
3. Do you have trouble ministering to others through your own dark times? Continue to be faithful. He will be.
4. Are you in a character-building time of your life. Hang on with both hands to the fact that God is still in control.