Bible Reading: Colossians 3:1-17

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12)

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2)

To be holy means to be set apart from following our earthly passions that are sinful and only serve to satisfy the flesh, to focus on heavenly matters, pursuing what pleases God’s heart. Holiness means to be consecrated for heavenly things. What are these heavenly things? What is in God’s heart? 

God’s heart is for mission. It is for His kingdom to be made known amongst all the nations. It is for the glory of His glorious grace to be proclaimed amongst all beings on earth and in heaven. Therefore, to be holy does not mean following laws concerning do’s and don’ts (this was the essence of the false teaching of asceticism. You can read further in Colossians 2). To be holy means to make God’s concern for mission our primary concern. 

If God’s mission is our primary concern, we will strive to put off our sinful inclinations and put on holy characters. We will put off anger and wrath to put on compassionate hearts and patience. We will put off sexual immorality and put on purity. We will put off pride and boasting and put on humility and meekness. 

Furthermore, we will crucify our selfish desires in order to fulfil God’s desires. We deny ourselves and bear our cross. We step in obedience, although suffering may follow. We humbly seek God’s will through His word and strive to apply it to our everyday lives. We let God lead our ways and forfeit our own control and plan for our lives. 

Have you ever sincerely considered if you are living a holy life? Are you obeying and following God as you should be? Or are you still caught up with the desires of your flesh? 

Has your primary concern been moulded with God’s primary concern — mission and the proclamation of His glory? Have you surrendered your will and desire to be transformed by the Holy Spirit? 

Take time to ponder on these questions seriously, and may God lead all of us unto holiness.

Lord, make us holy for heavenly things. Wean us from the love of this world and its selfish desires. Forgive us when we fall to our flesh and indulge in vile sins. Strengthen us once again and uphold us in holiness. You who have bought us by the blood of Christ continue to sanctify us and use us for Your mission here on earth. May Your name be glorified through our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

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