On Wednesday I was cruising around the WFW Mr. Linky when I read that Mommy on Fire was memorizing Colossians 3:12. I was instantly sparked and decided that I not only needed to memorize the verse, but break it down and truly apply it to my life.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Then, when I got home the latest book from Booksneeze was in my mailbox to review. It was called The Gospel According to Jesus by Chris Seay. I started the first chapter that night and was blown away by the words. It was exactly why I wanted to study this verse and make it part of me, part of my life and part of my witness. I spend so much time struggling with what I am not meant to do as a Christan. I focus on the rules to follow and, even worse, I constantly punish myself for "messing up."
There is a pop philosopher of our time who has articulated this struggle with sin quite well - this musician has developed a reputation as a first-class narcissist, I don't agree with much of what he says, and he may be a real jerk, but his music often makes me smile and nod my head. If he can grasp these truths, then I can assure you that each of us can as well. In his song "Addiction," Kanye sings (in a half-singing, half-rapping sort of way), "Why everything supposed to be bad make me feel so good?/ Everything they told me not to is exactly what I would..." I think Kanye articulates what the apostle Paul expressed with heartfelt clarity.
"I can anticipate the response that is coming: "I know that all God's commands are spiritual, but I'm not. Isn't this also your experience?" Yes. I'm full of myself—after all, I've spent a long time in sin's prison. What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary.
But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. "Romans 7:14-20
I am turning from always feeling sabotaged, trying to go do and then doing wrong, and I am going to focus on my character, my fruit.
I am going to develop my kindness, compassion, humility, gentleness and patience. As Seay states, "You can likely sense in your own life, and you can see that a version of Christianity that is seeking first to "keep the rules" is on a collision course with our sinful nature. It will end in destruction, not the joy of salvation."
Focusing on the joy of my salvation, the fruit of the Spirit, the own compassion, humility, patience, kindness and gentleness that were bestowed on me, can help me show that same joy to those around me.
So in the next week or so I am going to break down each of these traits, apply them to other biblical verses and apply them to my life. I would be so encouraged if you would also study with me, share your stories, prayers and how God is leading you in your lives.
