Session 15

How we become the people God knows we can be

From Colossians: A 28-Day Devotional

Change is hard. It takes weeks, or even months, after a move to get used to a new commute. At the end of a long day, when there’s lots on our minds, our internal autopilot takes over, and before long, we’re back in our old driveway.

Learning to follow Jesus often feels the same way. We know we’re not who we used to be. Our old lives are gone, but it takes time to replace old patterns with new ones.

The English Standard Version starts Colossians 3 with the header, "Put on the New Self." The subhead wasn’t part of Paul’s letter, but it’s an apt summary of his message.

Like us, the Colossians were learning a whole new way to live. But rather than giving them a list of rules, Paul tells them to remember who they belong to and live accordingly.

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" Colossians 3:2-3)

If you’re a runner, you run. If you’re a dancer, you dance. And when you’re God’s, you pursue God things.

The Message says it this way: "Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective."

As we learn to see the world through Jesus’ perspective, our actions start to mirror His actions. We prioritize the things He prioritized. We love others the way He loves. And after a while, we find we’re becoming the people He knew we would be.

Reflect:

• Can you think of a time when your thoughts either positively or negatively started to shape your actions?
• What’s one way you can set your mind on things above today?
• What are some things Jesus prioritized during His time on earth? (Take a look at Mark 1:35, Mark 10:45, and Mark 16:15 for a few hints.)