COLOSSIANS 3

In my chronological reading of Paul's letters to various churches in his day, today's chapter is Colossians 3. Paul is in Rome in prison, and the letter was actually written for him by Timothy, his faithful sidekick.

This chapter reminds me of The Karate Kid - and wax on/ wax off. Paul lists what we should put on and what we should put off. The lists are great reminders for Christian living.

First he lists what we are to put to death (all that is earthly in us):
sexual immorality
impurity
passion
evil desire
covetousness (which is idolatry).

Then he lists what we are to put off:
anger
wrath
malice
slander
obscene talk
lying

And, finally, what we are to put on:
compassionate hearts
kindness
humility
meekness
patience (aka forbearance, bearing with one another)
forgiving one another, as the Lord has forgiven
love (above all) which binds everything together in perfect harmony
peace of Christ
thankfulness

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.

The original letter didn't have chapters, so the flow of writing segues to specific attention to some specific admonitions, then in verses 23 & 24 states, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive your inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Paul was being that faithful witness. Incarcerated in a prison in Rome, in chains for his faith, his concern was for others. Knowing where he was when he wrote Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians, which were written during that period of incarceration, makes me pay closer attention to what was important to him to share.

Postscript:
It is interesting timing that Amanda Knox was just released from a prison in Rome yesterday. As I write she is on her way home to Seattle. She has proclaimed her innocence throughout the proceedings and the time imprisoned. Finally the majority vote of a jury has set her free. I pray that the truth will be found out. The victim's family and Amanda and her family deserve that. I also pray she pursues inner peace by trusting in God through his Son, Jesus Christ, for there is no true peace without Him! She has a lot to forgive, and I pray the Holy Spirit will help her do that....