Tonight, I shall take off the shirt I have worn today. Tomorrow morning, I shall put on a different shirt. The writer of Colossians uses the image of taking off and putting on clothes to describe how believers are to get rid of old practices and to start wearing new and divinely-touched garments. (I need to keep in mind that I can still put on that dirty shirt tomorrow. Even if I have grown in my faith walk, I can still go back to old ways.)
Translators scramble to find words that capture the essence of what Paul is saying. The NRSV says (Colossians 3:12): compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Common English Bible says "gentleness." W. J., Conybeare chooses "tenderness ofheart, self-humiliation." J.B. Phillips renders the text as "accept life and be most patient." In The Message, Eugene Peterson refers to "quiet strength and discipline."
Do you recognize yourself yet?
Oops. There are also those things that we might recognize: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed, anger, wrath, slander, abusive language (vv. 5, 8). Surely Paul is talking about those folks who didn't get to church last Sunday. Maybe. Maybe not.
Do you recognize yourself yet?
Most ofus are described to some extent in both robes-those of Christ and those of the world. After all, this epistle is written to those who called the Church home ... sort oflike we do. Change the name of the church from Colossae to Bethany or Trinity or First or Main Street or St. John's ... and the texts still apply. Do you recognize yourself yet?
In listing the clothes of the world and the clothes of God, the writer lists items most of which are found in our relationship with others. And the standard of judgment comes in Colossians 3: 17---Can I do and say what I do and say and authentically say that it is in the name of Jesus. What would Jesus do? What would Jesus have me do? Do you recognize yourself yet?
What Someone Else Has Said:
J. Mickey Efird (Christ, the Church, and the End, Judson Press) wrote: "The Christian experience is one that is constantly and continuously renewed day-by-day, because the present world with its power of sin and evil constantly beckons to one to return to the old ways."
Prayer:
As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: "Stay with me, Lord; this isn't easy. Help me wear the robes of Your presence ... "
