A Life That Honors Christ
Living a life that truly honors Jesus Christ isn't just about attending church or reading devotionals. It requires a fundamental transformation that begins with being "raised with Christ" and continues with intentional choices about where we focus our minds and hearts.
Have You Been Raised with Christ?
The foundation of Christian growth starts with one crucial question: Have you been raised with Christ? This isn't about church membership or religious activities - it's about genuine salvation. According to Colossians 3:1-4, if you have been raised with Christ, you should seek the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Being saved is the first prerequisite to experiencing the power of Christ in your life. Without this spiritual rebirth, no amount of church attendance or good deeds will produce genuine spiritual growth. You must know - not guess - that you are saved.
Where Should Your Mind Be Focused?
Setting Your Mind on Things Above
Colossians 3:2 gives us clear direction: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Since Christ is now seated at the right hand of the Father in a position of authority, that's where our focus should be.
Jesus himself said it would be better for Christians when he left earth and went to heaven. He told us to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all other things would be provided. Yet we often worry about earthly concerns instead of focusing on where Christ is.
The Power of Proper Focus
When you focus on Christ where he is seated, you have authority over the devil. James 4:7-8 tells us to submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. When you draw near to God, he will draw near to you. This proximity to God makes the devil powerless in your presence.
What Are the Earthly Things We Must Avoid?
The List of Earthly Nature
Colossians 3:5-10 provides a specific list of earthly things we must put to death:
• Sexual immorality
• Impurity
• Lust (lustful passion to possess/have your way without considering others)
• Evil desire
• Greed (which Paul calls idolatry)
Paul also lists additional things to put away completely:
• Anger
• Wrath
• Malice
• Slander
• Filthy language
• Lying
Why Greed Is Particularly Dangerous
Paul explicitly states that greed is idolatry. Since idolatry is the sin God hates most, this makes greed particularly serious. When you're greedy, you love money more than God, effectively breaking the first commandment about having no other gods.
How Is Complete Change Possible?
The Spiritual Surgery
According to Colossians 2:10-11, when you were saved, the Holy Spirit performed a spiritual circumcision, surgically removing your old earthly nature. This means those sinful behaviors are no longer part of your true nature.
When you commit sins like anger, wrath, or malice, you're literally reaching back to grab that old nature that was removed and bringing it back into your life. The Holy Spirit has given you a new nature that doesn't naturally produce these behaviors.
The Role of Choice
Every single thing you do is either done in the Spirit or in the flesh. There's no middle ground. The Holy Spirit can indwell all believers, but he's only "alive" in those who listen to and obey him.
What Should We Put On Instead?
The New Wardrobe
Colossians 3:12-15 gives us the positive behaviors to "put on":
• Compassion
• Kindness
• Humility
• Gentleness
• Patience
• Forgiveness
• Love (the perfect bond of unity)
Let the peace of Christ rule your hearts. When Christ's peace controls your heart, you'll naturally put away
those destructive behaviors.Guarding Your Heart
You guard your heart through three practices:
1. Let God's Word dwell in you - Scripture protects and guides your heart
2. Maintain an attitude of gratitude - Thank God even in difficult circumstances
3. Do everything as if for the Lord - Before speaking or acting, ask if it will bring glory to Christ
The Simple Test
Before you speak or act, ask yourself one question: "Is what I'm about to say or do going to bring glory to Christ?" If the answer is no, don't do it. This simple practice can transform your relationships and spiritual growth.
Life Application
This week, commit to the "glory test" before you speak or act. Each time you're tempted to respond in anger, spread gossip, or act selfishly, pause and ask: "Will this bring glory to Christ?"
Choose one item from the "put away" list that you struggle with most - whether it's anger, greed, or malice and consciously replace it with its positive counterpart from the "put on" list.
Questions for reflection:
• Have you truly been raised with Christ, or are you just attending church?
• What earthly things are currently competing for your focus instead of Christ?
• Which behaviors from the "put away" list do you need to completely remove from your life?
• How would your relationships change if you consistently applied the "glory test" before speaking?