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Inspirational Message

Inspirational Message: Paul Urged The Colossians to Set Their Minds on Things Above

This church had not been established by Paul who was in the area of Asia Minor and felt responsible as He sent out workers to oppose false teachers. Paul’s main message gives a true Christian application of Jesus’ mission to give full salvation. In this book it is taught that only through Jesus Christ is there hope of salvation for the world. What we put into our minds determine whether we are conformed, transformed or if our thoughts follow the image of Christ daily. This idea is clearly supported in Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (NKJV). Good advice tells us not to let the world around us mold our patterns of life. The American Standard Version translates it, “And not be fashioned according to this world_ _ _ _ _ _.” Paul, in his counsel to the Colossians, admonishes Christians to always, “set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2 NKJV).

As we read Colossians 3, observe Christian qualities that Paul encouraged through early believers in Jesus Christ. Why are these qualities the basis for a strong spiritual life today? Why are Paul’s teachings so essential for revival and reformation presently for modern-day Christians? When Jesus ascended to heaven he promised that through the Holy Spirit He would empower earthly disciples to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth. We also as His people must participate with Him in the completion of His mission on earth.

Paul’s letter to the Colossians advises us to accept Christ as our Lord and Savior and to follow him. This writing was accomplished while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. We are to be rooted in Christ and let our lives be built on Him. Notice how Paul prayed for others (Colossians 1:9-14) and himself. Through prayer and inner strength from God, let us as Christians not be captured by empty philosophies, false arguments about God or high-sounding nonsense (Colossians 2:6-8).

Paul expounded on the nature and the work of Christ and our pursuance of a new life in Him. We can be filled with courage and become closer in love and understanding. Paul tells us in Colossians 1:15 that Christ is the image of an invisible God. His pre-existence is eternal and He is supreme over all creation. Let us continue to put God first. Lift His name up as he reveals His knowledge and wisdom to us.

In Colossians 3 Paul reminds us how to become stronger Christians. Paul wants us to be knowledgeable, well-informed and to live what we believe. He advises us to avoid (this partial list) immorality, greed, anger, human-based rules that are not Bible-based, lies, foul language, and other personal weaknesses. Follow Christ with mercy, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness and gentleness toward people who offend us. We are also, according to Paul, to show love and unity to fellow believers.

Paul closed this short letter by asking believers to continue spreading the GOOD NEWS about Jesus Christ, to give praises in songs and to live lives that attract nonbelievers to the faith that we possess. Also in chapter 4, we see how God helped Paul in his struggles to do good by sending strong believers. We can ask God for help and helpers in our commitment to live godly and to make the most of opportunities to do good. With gracious transformations, let us become spiritually new and improved by following Jesus Christ!

Mrs. Gladys R. McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.

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