We often talk about the inner Christian life. It’s true God works in our lives from the inside out, but rarely do I hear anyone talk about the outer Christian life. We talk about the personal relationship with Christ, but not much about the public Christian life.
Main Points:
1. We have relegated faith in Christ as something private and personal. It’s between me and the Lord, people say. Yet, Paul is teaching us that if Christ is on the inside, it will show on the outside. Personal faith will become public. Christ on the inside produces a changed life on the outside.
2. So, what does this Christian clothing look like? Paul says we are to put on, or to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Wow! These are the character traits others should notice in us as we follow Jesus.
3. Everyday your outer Christian life is a testimony to others of how Jesus changes lives. No, we are not perfect, but we should daily seek to grow in Christlikeness. Our testimony should be that we are compassionate and kind toward others. We are humble, gentle, and patient. According to Paul, this is what a Christian looks like.
Today’s Scripture Verses:
Colossians 3:12 - “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:9-10 - “…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.”
1 Samuel 16:7 says “…The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Quick Links:
Connect on Social