Thought gor Friday 19 July

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.

This verse appears about two-thirds of the way through this chapter and in my bible, the chapter has the heading ‘Living the New Life’.

If Christ has genuinely come into your life or mine and is continually a part of it, surely we have to make changes in the things that we say and do and in the ways that we think and in the ways we interact and relate to those with whom we come into contact.  If we don’t, and just choose not to change all or any of these things, what is the point?  It has to be seen and noticed by others that we are different from those who do not know the Lord, indeed, it should be the will of all of us to bring these folks from their broad way to join with us on our narrow way.

On Wednesday, we looked at the choice between the wide path and the narrow path, the easy way and the difficult way.  We had to become disciples of Jesus.  When I was trying to do some research on this, one writer pointed out that the word ‘Christian’ appears in the New Testament 8 times, but the word ‘disciple’ appears 307 times.  Before we can become a Christian or think of ourselves already as being such, we must first become a disciple of Jesus.  Christianity should never be regarded as an exclusive and private club whereby an application form has to be completed and considered by a committee of esteemed members before one can be admitted as a full and legitimate member.  None of the folks Jesus chose to be his followers, none of those he healed, none of those he forgave had to go through this process, they only had to have faith in him.

All this should not be regarded as some sort of chore.  It should be embraced in a spirit of thankfulness.  We should be grateful that our eyes and hearts have been opened to the salvation that awaits us through our belief and faithfulness in him and him alone in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

As the weekend approaches, let us think of these things, let us ever remember that we are the Lord’s representatives.  Whatever activities we participate in, let us do it in a sprit of discipleship and in ways that would meet with his approval.

Prayer – Heavenly Father, Let Christ's peace rule in our hearts. Let us be at peace in his one body. Fill our hearts and mouths with overflowing thanksgiving.  Let Christ's word dwell in us richly. Let us teach and admonish each other in all wisdom.  Let us impart grace through the songs flowing from thankful hearts.  May we do everything, whatever it is, in the name of our Lord Jesus.  We give thanks to you, our God and Father, through his name. Amen.