“Put to death what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry… In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator…
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:5,7-10,12-17
‘Ah, God’s chosen! Chosen to pass from death to life, chosen to be a new creation, there are certain adornments that distinguish us from those who know not God. By attitude, action, and activity, we are to stand out from the world as holy and beloved, shining lights, permeating goodness and love’s color into the prevailing darkness. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 2:15; Colossians 2:13-14)
But are we? How distinguished are we from those around us? By job position, skill, dress, neighborhood, or education, we may have many similarities. We live in the world and are meant to work alongside the lost while remaining pure and emanating grace. The Lord intends us to make connections, serve neighbors and colleagues, and be bold against wickedness. He also entrusts us with the gospel, and expects us to stand out and apart in its defense, testifying with word and deed to His grace. (Matthew 5:14-16; 16:24-26; John 17:15-18)
As God’s chosen we are fueled by different passions and speak a loftier language. Where the world is easily ignited by cursory, catty speech, or complaining or gossip, we can elevate conversation toward ideas and standards that bear on human flourishing and the culture. Where the world chops and chats with snippets and grudges and rude memes, we can implement language that honors the living Word who made our mouths. When the world promotes factions and dissension, and spews hatred at every turn, we must speak truth in love, and as we are able, maintain unity in the gospel of peace. (Exodus 4:11; John 1:1; Ephesians 4:1-3,15,29; Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:8)
Where and in what situations is it especially hard to behave as God’s chosen? Would we bring these specific challenges to the Lord, and trust Him to change and fill us? How can we bear His imprint in a fresh way today? (Ephesians 5:18)
Lord, may I live as Your chosen and so magnify Your image in this world.
As the rain and snow 