Colossians 3

The word perspective is very important to me when I read Colossians 3.  So I have included a definition of the word perspective.

I was raised in a church that read bible verses as a part of ceremonies, so this is not the 1^st time I have heard these verses.  But today as I read them, I read them with a new perspective.  As in the definition of perspective  I have a new way of regarding situations, a new way of judging the relative importance of these words.  

Years ago Bobby Pruitt introduced me to the term “eternal perspective”.  What it means is to live your life with regard to how it impacts your life in eternity;  to consider how your life impacts God’s work today and ultimately your reward in heaven.

Colossians 3:1-2

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Colossians 3 tells believers to not live carnal lives but to live lives transformed by Jesus Christ.  My life has been a journey or work in progress from living as a carnal being to becoming a new creation transformed by the Holy Spirit.  As a carnal person, I worry about my stature whether it is in the corporate world or social status in a community.  But as a disciple of Jesus I must live in a new way reflecting on God’s will and determining where I can be a part of His work.

Colossians 3:5-7 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 

Colossians 3:8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

As I have been transformed by the Holy Spirit, sexual situations in television shows and movies have increasingly bothered me.  I have learned to guard my eyes by looking away, but I have even learned to make more appropriate choices in the shows I watch.  I investigate content and consider the storyline of the movie in light of avoiding sexual immorality and impurity. 

Regarding greed, I have learned that if I start my day reading financial websites or watching financial news and ending my day reviewing my portfolio then I am struggling with greed.  I still watch those shows but far less frequently and with more casual interest than personal impact.  Daily reviews of my portfolio happen less often, but biblical stewardship suggests some vigilance.

Idols is a subject that is unique for each of us.  Speaking with my wife Debbie, and at her urging, I have to reflect on what my idols are.  Career or success could be one idol, but I think it is more about recognition from others.  Being recognized for something I have done.  This is a work that is still underway;  learning to work for The Lord and not for man.  This is an area I am working on.

Many of you may not know that I was raised in New York.  In New York the F-word is interjected for a pause in speech instead of the more common um.  It is used frequently.  I was not that bad, but my choice of words communicated my ignorance and un-holiness for my lack of making more appropriate choices.  This is also an area that is a work in progress, but I believe I am closer to Jesus’s will than the crude language I often used. 

Colossians 3 also tells us what to do in our lives. 

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Patience is not a default reaction for me.  Depending on the situation, my tolerance to be patient is challenged.  This is an area that God has helped me.  The gift of being a grandfather has helped me immensely.  Dealing with the innocence of a child and their unconditional love for me has been key.  But that leads to the question, what about God’s children.  That is a perspective that has allowed me to grow in my patience and discernment; affording grace and compassion to others in difficult situations that would result in my impatience. This is also a work in progress.

So as you can see since I have become a believer in Jesus Christ’s salvation I am being transformed.  We all are.  I encourage you to read Colossians 3 with the perspective of how have you changed since becoming e believer.  Which areas have you grown in and where do you need to focus next?  If you struggle to answer these questions just ask the Holy Spirit and you will soon learn where to focus and how to apply Colossians 3.

Lord I pray that each of us would live as if every act, every word and every thought would impact eternity.  I ask that the result is that we bring glory to You for the refinement you are bringing to each of us.

Joe LoSurdo | Elder

Joe committed his life to Christ in February of 1994 through attending Hill Country Bible ChurchNorthwest. He and his wife, Debbie, have two married children and five grandchildren. Joe has served in Student, Children’s, Small Group, Assimilation, Benevolence, and Biblical Guidance Ministries. Joe and Debbie joined Hutto Bible Church in June of 2009.