Be Focused

Our Sunday School lesson this week was entitled, 'Be Focused.'

The scripture reference was Colossians 3:1-17, a letter to the Colossians from Paul. 

Read it.  It will change you.  At minimum, as a believer in Christ, it will change the way you think!

This really HIT HOME with me!  I have believed in Jesus for as long as I can remember.  I have even been saved and baptized, but I am realizing more and more that I haven't had the relationship with Him that He desires and deserves.  I am not living up to my full potential in Him.

What do Christians need to put off, and what do they need to put on?

Put OFF the sinful, earthly things lurking within you! (v 5-9, 13)

• Sexual Immorality
• Impurity
• Lust
• Evil Desires
• Greed, which is idolatry
• Anger
• Rage
• Malicious behavior
• Slander
• Lying
• Dirty Language

I'm having MAJOR problems right now with anger toward another person.  This anger can put me in a quiet rage, and, sadly, a loud rage at times.  And can trigger at litany of foul language and a strong need to hurt that person.  I never say anything to the person.  I vent to my husband, which is so unfair to him!  I need to turn to my Heavenly Father and ask Him to help me and guide me.  I need to get in His Word and deal with myself, my anger and that person according to God's directive.

Put ON your new nature, be renewed in Christ!  (v 12-14)
Clothe yourself with the following:

• Tenderhearted mercy
• Kindness
• Humility
• Gentleness
• Patience
• Forgiveness
• And above all, LOVE!

I feel like I have several of the characteristics He expects of me, but not all of them and not all of the time.  Jesus knows that I, as a human being, will struggle with living up to His expectations.  And He knows that I sin...daily!  He expects my confession and He deserves it.  I owe it to myself and to Him to acknowledge my sin and learn from it...and hopefully not repeat it!

In verses 15-17, we are told to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and to be thankful.  Share the message of Christ through teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit; singing to God with gratitude.  We are to do all things, whether in word or in deed, in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God. 

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.

Luke 6:32 (Jesus speaking)
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?  Even sinners love those that love them.

So, with this post, I ask you to pray for me.  I ask you to pray for my family.  And I ask you to look into your own heart and ask yourself if you are living the life that Jesus expects of you.  If not, I invite you to join me in focusing on His expectations for our lives as Christians.  And, I beg of you to hold me accountable.