Be Focused
Colossians 3:1-17
The “upward look.” “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (v. 2). “Set your mind on” literally means “keep on thinking about” (Robertson, Word Pictures). When he says we should not set our minds on earthly things, he means earthly things should not be our goal. First, he tells them why: “If you have been raised up with Christ.” Second, he tells them what: “Keep seeking the things above.” Third, he tells them where: “Above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”
The “outward look.” Paul also calls on them to look outward and consider their lifestyles and relationships with others. First, he addresses their lifestyles. Their lifestyle was to be holy and pure. He urges the believers to turn from sinful behavior and warns them that the wrath of God will be poured out as a result of immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed. Paul states in verse 7 that some of the believers in Colosse once lived such lifestyles. The good news is that no one is outside of God’s reach. Those involved in sin can be redeemed. In verses 12-14, Paul describes the right kind of outward behavior: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another.
Second, he addresses their lips. He warns them to guard their lips against anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech, and lying to one another (v. 9). Many believers have habits of using their lips in ungodly ways. Gossiping about others in the church is malice, slander, abusive speech, and lying all rolled up together. Some participate in gossip with a malicious motive because of resentment against the person being talked about. Gossip is certainly slander because it often harms someone’s reputation and character. Gossip is also lying. Those who have a habit of gossiping have certainly repeated information that is untrue and distorted.
The “inward look.” How can we think about heavenly things? How can we be holy in lifestyle and speech? In verses 15 and 16, Paul instructs the believers in Colosse to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” and “let the word of Christ richly dwell within you.”
The “forward look.” Paul also points them forward. He calls on them to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. He says their words should be spoken in the name of the Lord Jesus. He says their deeds should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. He exhorts them to do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Examine your life. Do you watch TV in the name of the Lord Jesus? Do you browse the Internet in the name of the Lord Jesus? Do you joke with your buddies at work in the name of the Lord Jesus? If you were to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,” it would require making changes in your life and home.
Melton– Lessons by Frankie Melton, pastor of Heath Springs Baptist Church, Heath Springs. He has a B.A. degree from Charleston Southern University, and a Ph.D. and M.Div. from Southern Seminary.