Author: astherainandsnow

“Jehoiada took courage and… all the assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. Jehoiada said to them, ‘Behold, the king’s son! Let him reign, as the Lord spoke concerning the sons of David… Of you priests and Levites.., one third shall be gatekeepers, one third shall be at the king’s house and one third at the Gate of the Foundation. And all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the Lord. Let no one enter the house of the Lord except the priests and ministering Levites… The Levites shall surround the king, each with his weapons in his hand. And whoever enters the house shall be put to death. Be with the king when he comes in and when he goes out.’

“The Levites and all Judah did according to all that Jehoiada commanded… They brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him and… proclaimed him king, and Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, ‘Long live the king…’

“And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king that they should be the Lord’s people. [They] went to the house of Baal and tore it down; his altars and images they broke in pieces… [He] posted watchmen for the house of the Lord under the direction of the priests… He stationed the gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the Lord so that no one should enter who was unclean… So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet after Athaliah had been put to death.” 2 Chronicles 23:1,3-8,11,16-19,21

Athalia was one vicious woman, cruel and power-hungry, driven to wickedness. After one son’s death, she murdered the others so she could take control of Judah. The people feared her.

In contrast, Jehoiada the priest was a faithful, committed man of God who, with his wife and under these threatening conditions, bravely perpetuated His plan. He hid the former king’s son Josiah from Athalia’s massacre and raised him to know and honor God, then waited on the Lord’s timing to make the right moves. His devotion to the Lord and His commands drove his priorities to set order and protection in God’s house, deeply impressing young Josiah and securing support and favor from the people. Implementing his strategy step by step, he successfully overthrew Athalia and established God as the One to be feared. (2 Chronicles 22:10-12)

Such thoughtfulness and courage hold significant sway in those whose consciences are keen and in whom God is moving. He often orchestrates circumstances that require great risks of faith and brazen maturity so He can prove His power in and through His people. Those who faithfully serve His purposes not only join the flow of His will, but are used by God to influence and encourage those watching.

In what areas and with whom might we be influential for good and godliness? Into what conversations or relationships might we thoughtfully portray godly order, uprightness, or truth? Where is God calling us to set aside fear and chip away at immorality, elevate conversation, add beauty? As we’ve benefited from influence, may we generously invest in others to promote growth and make Christ known.

Lord, align my impulses and priorities with Your perfect will, and sanctify any influence I have to magnify You and spur others on for Your sake and glory. (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 10:24)

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
    tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
    he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
    tremble before him, all the earth!

Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!
    Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
    he will judge the peoples with equity.’

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
    let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
    let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
    before the Lord, for he comes,
    for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
    and the peoples in his faithfulness.” Psalm 96:1-13

Oh sing! Tell from day to day! Declare among the nations! Ascribe due glory! Worship all the earth! God’s majesty and might, His splendor and dominion, His strength and beauty fill heavens and earth and are to be known and exalted!

The psalmist’s cry is a call to God’s people everywhere. Sing! Behold and tell! Ponder and proclaim! Think on His splendor and majesty, strength and beauty in the secret place! Tremble, and sing for joy!

What part do I have in doing so? None of these practices can take place when we are focused on ourselves. None occur when we look down, or fixate on things, or fret with anxiety at circumstances, or stew in unknowns and grievances. To obey God’s commands takes a reorienting of heart to wonder, a freeing from the tyranny of the urgent, a turning up of the eyes to heaven and the wide, wonderful handiwork of the Almighty. Responsibilities may be worthy of time and attention, but the Lord God is worthy of heart praise and worship. How balanced, or imbalanced, are we in what fear and glory and gifts we offer?

Of all the people we encounter, who needs a song today? Whom will we tell of God’s faithfulness and answered prayer? Whom can we encourage with His promises? With whom can we share a hidden beauty, a glimpse of mercy received, a story of love expressed, the majestic wonder of a detailed facet of creation?

What is our part among the nations? How can we contribute, in word or resources, to the proclaiming of God’s greatness abroad? What role will we take to make sure everyone hears? How can I encourage those being persecuted or in hard paces that their God reigns?

Lord, may I fear and love You more each day, and ascribe You due glory for all You are in all I say and do.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so…

Some wandered in desert wastes,
    finding no way to a city to dwell in;
hungry and thirsty,
    their soul fainted within them.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way
    till they reached a city to dwell in.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!
For he satisfies the longing soul,
    and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    prisoners in affliction and in irons,
for they had rebelled against the words of God,
    and spurned the counsel of the Most High.
So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor;
    they fell down, with none to help.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
    and burst their bonds apart.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!
For he shatters the doors of bronze
    and cuts in two the bars of iron.

Some were fools through their sinful ways,
    and because of their iniquities suffered affliction…
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
He sent out his word and healed them,
    and delivered them from their destruction.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!
And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving,
    and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!

Some went down to the sea in ships,
    doing business on the great waters…
They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths;
    their courage melted away… and they were at their wits’ end.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
He made the storm be still,
    and the waves of the sea were hushed…
    and he brought them to their desired haven.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!” Psalm 107:1-2a,4-17,19-23,26-31

The psalmist composes this song with a repeated refrain of gladness. He pens melodious loops of the folly of the fallen, turning to the Lord, being raised to sing praise. The Lord’s steadfast love and wonderful works to His children are the faithful rhythmic theme of life. The wanderer, the hungry, the rebellious and captive, the laborer and the foolish, all find deliverance in the Lord. He leads in the straight way. He satisfies the longing soul. He cuts into bars of iron. He heals. He calms storms. This God resolves every stanza of trouble and turmoil and is worthy of ongoing song!

But oh, the reasons we nurse for pity! My inconveniences, my struggles, my pain, my problems! Woe is me! They’re unrelenting, undeserved, unnecessary! Often our distresses are the result of godless choices, and the Lord uses their anguish to turn us around.

Would we put God first in our longings and plans? Will we turn from spurning His counsel to seeking His word? When will we confess our stubbornness and sin to praise His merciful love?

Lord, attune my sights and heart to daily awaken the dawn and go to sleep with a song of praise. (Psalm 108:1-4)

“When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.’ But Elisha said, ‘As the Lord lives,.. I will not leave you.’ So they went down to Bethel…

“Elijah said, ‘Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.’ But he said.., ‘I will not leave you.’ So they came to Jericho… 

“Then Elijah said, ‘Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.’ But he said,.. ‘I will not leave you.’ So the two of them went on… Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted.., till the two of them could go over on dry ground.

“When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.’ And Elisha said, ‘Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.’” 2 Kings 2:1-2,4,6,8-9

“And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day… Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the day has broken.’ But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’” Genesis 32:24,26

“Then they… wept again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. And she said, ‘See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and gods; return after [her].^‘ But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.'” Ruth 1:14-16

Several are the examples in scripture of tenacious clinging on the part of people of faith to those with ability to impart favor and strength. It is clear that these recipients of God’s love and calling know that their wherewithal, their source and means of going forth, is the God who leads them. Their faith in heavenly promise compels them to cling to the Promise-keeper, and not advance one step or day without Him at the helm. The key to their persistent faith is unrivaled confidence in who God is and what He has said. Personality and circumstances aside, they are singly focused on the journey with their Lord.

Do I have such priority and passion? Many are the allures of this world that pledge to give fulfillment and satisfaction, to flesh out desires in life experience. Many are the excuses we make for choosing paths of least resistance and inconvenience. To any number of these manufactured ‘needs’ we clench tightly, rendering our hands unable to receive the Lord’s richer, greater blessings.

Nothing offers the adventure and deep meaning of journeying with the Lord. Pilgrims in this beautiful land, we tread on to an even more beautiful one when we cling to Him. How broad and long is our view of daily living? Are we driven by immediate pressures and impulses, or a view and hunger for everlasting? Do we prefer to pursue empty promises of this world, or divine promises of the next? What passions and occupations do we need to relinquish in order to be filled with the Spirit and pursue Him and His purposes?

Lord, may I cling every day to Your promises and path, for Your glory.

“Thus says the Lord God: The gate of the inner court that faces east shall be shut on the six working days, but on the Sabbath day it shall be opened… The prince shall enter by the vestibule of the gate from outside, and shall take his stand by the post of the gate. The priests shall offer his burnt offering and peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold. Then he shall go out, but the gate shall not be shut until evening. The people of the land shall bow down at the entrance of that gate before the Lord on the Sabbaths…  And the grain offering with the ram shall be an ephah, and the grain offering with the lambs shall be as much as he is able, together with a hin of oil to each ephah…

“When the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed feasts, he who enters by the north gate to worship shall go out by the south gate, and he who enters by the south gate shall go out by the north gate: no one shall return by way of the gate by which he entered, but each shall go out straight ahead… 

“You shall provide a lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt offering to the Lord daily; morning by morning you shall provide it.” Ezekiel 46:1-2a,3,5,9,13

Ezekiel’s prophecies to the exiled people of Judah were intended to breathe hope, reassurance, and new life into their lost sense of security and worship. He carefully relayed God’s message so they understood, looked forward to, and would follow His instructions upon their return to Jerusalem. The commands for their Sabbath were specific and detailed, reminding them of God’s intricate care for them and their ongoing covenant relationship, that between fallible men and holy God.

We can take such hope and renewed confidence when we honor the Sabbath. We do this by approaching it as distinct from a workweek, as God appoints, not according to our own preference and comfort. We come in remembrance and on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice that made atonement for our sins and the way to everlasting peace. We celebrate it in humble worship, focusing on the Lord God, bowing before Him in praise, thanksgiving, and willing service.

Do we take this institution of the Sabbath with serious wonder and willingness? How does remembering the foundation and source of soul rest enhance our honoring this day of true rest and our worship of Christ the Gate? What worldly mindset or habits can we surrender to make it more meaningful? (John 10:7-10)

To honor the Sabbath means we come to give, to offer freely of our bounty of time, love, attention, treasure. There is nothing about taking, and all about giving, taking only delight in the Lord. Where have we deliberately set aside our own pleasure to seek and serve the Lord’s? (Isaiah 58:13-14)

And we cannot celebrate the Sabbath without being changed. We never depart the Lord’s presence the same way we came in. How is passing through time with the Lord on His day transforming us? How would we like it to? When we genuinely desire to honor Him, the Lord will work the graces of His Sabbath in us.

Worthy Lord, help me regularly appoint time and space to honor, serve, and glorify You.

“Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord,
    or declare all his praise?..

Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people…

Both we and our fathers have sinned;
    we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness.
Our fathers, when they were in Egypt,
    did not consider your wondrous works;
they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love,
    but rebelled by the Red Sea.
Yet he saved them for his name’s sake,
    that he might make known his mighty power.
He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry,
    and he led them through the deep as through a desert.
So he saved them from the hand of the foe
    and redeemed them from the power of the enemy.
And the waters covered their adversaries;
    not one of them was left.
Then they believed his words;
    they sang his praise.” Psalm 106:1-2,4,6-12

Sin in man has run rampant since the fall, and the psalmist recounts the great chasm between its proliferation and the mercy of God. He praises the Lord and gives Him thanks for bridging the chasm that stands wide, canyon after canyon, through history. God’s steadfast love, and intermittent, godly men who stood in the gap, continued striving with God’s people for the Lord’s and His covenant’s sake. The rebellion and folly of man show off the grace and majesty of God. (Psalm 106:13-46)

Many cultures focus life around individuals. We think that the world revolves around us, and live accordingly. We plan and do for our own sake, pursuing dreams and goals as we please, blinded to the greater purpose for which we have been created. The Lord made clear to His people early on that His favor was not because of their goodness but because of His sovereign love and divine will, and we would do well to take this to heart. We were created for His and His glory and praise. (Deuteronomy 7:6-8)

How different would my daily life look if I planned and behaved for God’s kingdom, His purposes, His name’s sake instead of my own? How would this mission change the way I spent my time and resources, and go about my relationships and work? What can I be doing that magnifies God’s mercy and mighty power so He is known, trusted, and praised? (Matthew 5:16)

What doubts or self-loathing could be swallowed up in His sake, His incredible and unconditional affection for me? What long-standing bitterness, rebellion, or stubborn refusal to forgive could be transformed by His steadfast love? What confusion, waywardness, or wasted time could be reenergized and redirected for His kingdom purposes? How can I invest prayer and effort and live more fully for Jesus’s sake?

“‘For Jesus’ sake’ shall be our theme;
His love, our richest prize;
For His dear name alone we’ll live,
And by His pow’r arise.

“’For Jesus’ sake;’ O blessed One!
Fulfill our heart’s desire;
We would unto Thy glory live,
And in Thy work expire.

“‘For Jesus’ sake’ shall be our song!
His right in us we own;
To Him our life and all belong,
To Him, and Him alone.” ~William Fawcett (1895)

Lord, daily conform my will to Your will, for Your sake and glory.

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
    or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You return man to dust
    and say, ‘Return, O children of man!’
For a thousand years in your sight
    are but as yesterday when it is past,
    or as a watch in the night.

You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,
    like grass that is renewed in the morning:
in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
    in the evening it fades and withers…

For all our days pass away..;
    we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
The years of our life are seventy,
    or even by reason of strength eighty;
yet their span is but toil and trouble;
    they are soon gone, and we fly away…

So teach us to number our days
    that we may get a heart of wisdom…
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
    that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad… for as many years as we have seen evil.
Let your work be shown to your servants,
    and your glorious power to their children.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
    and establish the work of our hands upon us;
    yes, establish the work of our hands!” Psalm 90:1-6,9-10,12,14-17

“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.  By faith he left Egypt,.. for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:24-27

Moses the finite lived in the tension of his now and not yet. What fueled his faith was a remarkable relationship with the infinite, everlasting God who knew, ordered, and sustained the beginning and the end. Seeking a heart of wisdom for his temporal days, he made choices that counted for eternity. His keen eyes saw what was invisible, and his dusty feet walked in that direction. His sojourn here below was destined for heaven. Dwelling in the shelter of the Most High, he had learned to abide in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)

We are called to live well and with wisdom in the same tension. Dwellers all in time and space, we were made with eternity in our hearts so our minds would be fixed on Christ above while our energy is spent here spreading light and the impression we leave would be lasting. We are to keep a loose hold as the Lord blesses the work of our hands. (Psalm 103:15-18; Proverbs 4:18; Ecclesiastes 3:11-14; Philippians 2:14-16; Colossians 3:1-2)

How well do we manage present responsibilities with an eternal perspective? How is the hope of heaven inspiring our growth, work, and service? Will we seek divine sense in our temporal sensibilities? How are we daily satisfied in Christ so our hours honor Him and further His will on earth? (Matthew 6:10)

Lord, keep me faithful all my days for Your eternal glory.

“Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, and told them to seek mercy from God concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven:

“‘You have given me wisdom and might,
    and have now made known to me what we asked of you.'” Daniel 2:17-19,23

“‘If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’ Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai,  ‘Go, gather all the Jews.., and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.’ Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.” Esther 4:14-17

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:13b

The Lord God had placed certain people in strategic positions for particular and far-reaching work. He could do anything by His power alone, yet had them enlist others to beseech Him for favor, revelation, and ultimately His honor. The support of these special people encouraged Daniel and Esther to proceed with confidence in otherwise tenuous situations, and enabled many to praise God for His clear answers.

There is nothing quite like the sense of being upheld by another’s prayers, buoyed inexplicably yet palpably knowing another is undertaking for us when we have an assignment to fulfill. Our finite selves can handle one thing at a time, yet the infinite God combines all efforts into His glorious one for divine outcomes. Taking part in His kingdom work through obedience and prayer is expected and thrilling. (Psalm 102:16-17; Matthew 6:10; Ephesians 3:14-19; Colossians 1:9-11)

When we’re asked to do something challenging or risky, do we try to go it alone, smugly thinking our smarts and strength are enough? Do pride or false humility keep us from procuring others to pray on our behalf? Or do we recognize that the Lord works in and through those who pray, and has lessons for, and ways of being glorified through, the many? (Ephesians 6:18-20)

How willing and eager are we to undergird others in pivotal positions or dangerous situations? Do we resort to judging motives or methods, or humbly seek God’s will and mercy upon their efforts? Do our own ‘important’ issues crowd out taking up for others in the Body? (Hebrews 10:24-25; James 5:13-16)

Those reluctant to seek prayer support or get involved in praying for others deprive themselves of God’s rich blessing. What busyness or apathy is preventing humble dependence and specific intercession? How will we better engage and undergird those around us in prayer that releases God’s marvelous flow of grace and power?

Lord, may I pray as You welcome and direct to buttress Your children and exalt Your glory.

“We ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more… For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter,.. as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

“Now… you have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands,..  so that you may walk properly before outsiders.”

“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.  For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1,3-8,9-12; 5:6b-8

“The fruit of the Spirit is… self-control.” Galatians 5:23

Paul loved the churches, and longed for their holiness. His letters were primers on the process of sanctification: a unique, mysterious, and powerful blend of the Holy Spirit at work and human body, mind, and spirit cooperating in surrender, discipline, and obedience. He urged specific abstinences and behaviors while reminding them they were indwelt and helped by God’s Spirit. Self-control in all matters and interactions was a call and commandment that required commitment and constant dependence.

Most people like to control external surroundings and schedules, and might do a decent job if no one interrupts or makes demands. But self-control, the measuring and keeping of temper and passions in line with the holy, honorable will of God, is a different discipline. It requires an intention to please the Lord God instead of ourselves, a determination that contradicts natural impulses and emotion. Our very flesh desires that burn are contrary to the pure inclinations of God, so the struggle for control is real.

And it is demanded of children of light! Self-control is an integral fruit of the Spirit, evidence and expression of His presence within. How is it manifested in our lives? Where is it missing? The One who calls us to holiness will enable us as we work with and abide in Him. Christ took on the penalty of our sin so we can shake off its power in our day to day. (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

In what areas- of temper, lust, language, indulgence- is self-control clearly lacking? Do we acknowledge these transgressions are an affront to God and harm others? Where and how can we begin to implement a quiet heart surrendered to the Lord’s sway, a shielding of faith, compassion, love, and hope that guards against errant desires, actions, and reactions? How will we cooperate more fully, and gladly, with God’s sanctifying Spirit?

Lord, keep me in constant synch with Your Spirit, under His control, to Your glory.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is… Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

“Put to death therefore 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 3:1-5,7-10,12-17

Paul brought the truth of salvation to practical application for the Colossian church. They were growing with individuals who were indeed new creations, yet former practices clung. He saw it necessary to name their habits that keep them from living fully for Christ and unity with each other. Every garment listed to put off is fashioned to please self, while every one listed to put on necessitates preferring others. They needed a new wardrobe.

Revamping the wardrobe begins with revamping the mind. In our selfie-crazed culture, so much of life is focused on self: self-promotion, self-protection, self-care, self-esteem, self-defense. We live and breathe for our passions and preferences within our parameters by our power. But life in Christ is an exchanged life. He frees us to no longer dwell on ourselves but be captivated with Him and His kingdom. He enables us to insert ‘others’ for every ‘self’-absorption, training us to upbuild, protect, care for, esteem, and defend those around us. By grace, He daily transforms and renews our minds in truth. (Romans 12:2-18)

If I have been hidden in Christ in salvation, my actions and character should reflect His. Would that the cameras of our souls refocused others! Would that we did everything in the name of the Lord!

What is earthly in me? What motives drive the choices I make? Identifying and confessing particular pride, prurience, and wayward passions will prepare me to don new and holy garments. Where can I exchange idolatry for preferring another in love, anger for meekness, malice for forgiveness, greed for generosity, dishonesty for truth? Taking account of my daily wardrobe, clearing out and fitting on Christ-like adornment, promotes sanctification and blesses the church.

“Changed from glory into glory
Till in Heav’n we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise!” ~Charles Wesley (1747)

So be it, Lord. Amen.