Closet Cleaning~Round 1

Last week we examined our lives and discussed who we are (as believing Christians) as new creatures in Christ. We have considered the infamous word ‘therefore’ and have studied what it is there for in the previous segments. Now what?

We are told in verses 5-7 (Colossians Chapter 3) to mortify~put to death; make dead~ various aspects of our former lives.  The editors of the Expositors’ Bible Commentary put it this way, “we must not simply suppress or control evil acts and attitudes; rather, we are to wipe them out and completely exterminate the old way of life.” (emphasis mine)  They go on to explain that this must be done with vigorous effort and determination. Do we get the idea that what is to follow is extremely important? It is not an easy feat. But, because we are one with Christ, we know He has the power and resources to help us succeed. It can be done!

We will notice that Paul begins this first list with sexual immorality. Commentaries agree that sexual immorality and acts were a big part of Greek culture in Paul’s day. The continued list below stems from this line of thought. These acts and attitudes were often the first and most difficult change to be made in the life of a new believer. We are commanded to EXTERMINATE THESE THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS.

Next, Paul lists impurity, which involves uncleanness in thought, word, or action. EXTERMINATE THESE THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS.

Lust involves uncontrollable passions and desires. EXTERMINATE THESE THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS.

Evil desires involve wicked evil thoughts towards others. EXTERMINATE THESE THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS.

Greed involves a ruthless desire for more with disregard for the rights of others. EXTERMINATE THESE THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS.

 (Word study from Expositor’s Bible Commentary)

Paul concludes with a reminder that these thoughts and attitudes can be equated with idolatry as they put our selfish desires above what God wants for our lives. These thoughts and desires demonstrate setting our minds on earthly things rather than ‘things above’ as seen in verse 2.

In verse 7 Paul reminds the Colossian believers (and us) that we USED to walk this way. As mentioned above, our old earthy nature used to control our thoughts and actions. But, now that we are to think on ‘things above’, where Christ is seated, we should walk differently—or as we shall see in the next section, wear different 'clothes'.

So, each one of us needs to look deeply in our heart closet for any of the above ‘outfits’.  Any attitude, thought, action, or desire that lends itself to immorality, unclean thoughts, uncontrollable and ruthless passions and desires for things or against others needs to be ‘put to death’, annihilated, destroyed, and completely exterminated from our lives.

Don’t just put them in the garage sale pile, throw them out, better yet, BURN THEM. Be done with them! 

We should have some more space in our heart closet now for some new items! A ‘shopping spree’ is coming soon, but we have a little more cleaning out to do first.

Remember, it takes vigorous effort and determination-but, with Christ’s help, it can be done!

Debbie