The Shepherd's Desk
September 14th, 2021
Setting Your Vision On Those Things That Are Christ-Like.
Dr. Patrick Vossen,
Founding Pastor CGMF
To the CGMF family,
Colossians 3:1-11
3 Therefore, if you were raised with Christ, look for the things that are above where Christ is sitting at God’s right side. 2 Think about the things above and not things on earth. 3 You died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
5 So put to death the parts of your life that belong to the earth, such as sexual immorality, moral corruption, lust, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). 6 The wrath of God is coming upon disobedient people because of these things. 7 You used to live this way, when you were alive to these things. 8 But now set aside these things, such as anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene language. 9 Don’t lie to each other. Take off the old human nature with its practices 10 and put on the new nature, which is renewed in knowledge by conforming to the image of the one who created it. 11 In this image there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all things and in all people.
This passage of scripture has a profound meaning for our lives. It helps us to understand how important it is to set our goals, aspirations, and lifestyle toward that which is Christ-Like. Thereby, allowing our Lord to set the path we are to choose with a vision toward the future. A future where He is in charge and producing within us the character we need, and the fruit that bears witness that we have been with the Master.
Along with this vision comes a warning as well. That is to stay on this path of righteousness, we must avoid certain things that are not Christ-like. These are anger, rage, malice, slander and obscene language or a lying tongue. None of these behaviors are Christ-like. Each one shows a lack of the Holy Spirit’s control in our lives, and a reclaiming of some of the old carnal nature. That after the waters of baptism and the infilling of the Holy Spirit were to be put aside.
I have found in my life the more I pursue the Lord and spend time in His presence and feeding on the Word of God. That my focus stays in the appropriate direction, and I can fulfill the things of God. However, when I allow myself to be led by my emotions or react without thinking I find myself in a compromising position. Staying focused, staying disciplined, being alert or aware of where I am in my spiritual journey and yours are so particularly important. Especially if we are going to keep on course and honor the Lord, fulfilling His call and direction for our life.
I challenge you today to keep your eyes focused on things above, allowing His Holy Spirit to anoint you therefore enjoying a Spirit-Filled life. Forsaking the things which the scriptures show us can short circuit our connection to the power source, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:8,9 give us the key to success in our Christian walk.
8 From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. 9 Practice these things: whatever you learned, received, heard, or saw in us. The God of peace will be with you.
Meditate upon those traits spoken of in Philippians 4:8,9 and I know you will have good success and a heavenly reward.
God bless you all as we work together for the Kingdom of God. Here at Covenant of Grace we are playing a part in the eternal plan of redemption. Let us continue to try to purse His will and honor His Name.
