All too often, we approach God's instruction as a task list of things we have to do. We check off the things that are "easy" for us hoping for an "A+" from God for doing them. The things we like, don't want to get rid of, or struggle with stay on the list and never get "done." What if, though, we looked at God's instruction differently. What if we looked at the negative things on the list as things we are allowed to get rid of. How would these lists look then?
idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, (Galatians 5:20 NIV)
Think about it: do you really want to hold on to hatred? Does jealousy keep you warm at night? How about fits of rage, does this really produce the kind of life you want to enjoy? I know that much of our culture is built around selfish ambition, but he who dies at the top of the ladder with the most toys still dies. Do you really like living a life pointing your finger at other people and arguing with them behind their back?
and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:21 NIV)
You don't have do keep envy. How cool is that!?! I don't have to worry about how much stuff you have. I don't even have to worry about the "value" of that stuff. I can be content with whatever God has provided me today.
No, I'm not saying you can't take a drink. Neither is God. But how many times do you need to wake up with a hangover before you realize it's not fun anymore? How many more times does it take before you realize it was never really fun? The thing you were trying to forget is still there and God has been waiting to help you take care of it for real. Maybe it's time to try another way.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. (Colossians 3:5-7 NIV)
Following the negative lists only produce lifestyles that are full of trouble. Everyone wants to argue with God about sex until they find themselves pregnant, stuck in a bad relationship, and fighting with their partner all the time. Doing things God's way in God's timing really does make relationships better, longer lasting, and more enjoyable.
But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices (Colossians 3:8-9 NIV)
You even feel better when you stop those words before they come out of your mouth. No regrets and no stress follows when words are truly spoken as a gift to the hearers. When you stop lying, you stop having to keep track of which story you told to which person. Wouldn't that be more relaxing?
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (Colossians 3:10 NIV)
You are made in the image of your Creator. Does it feel like it? Do you reflect it?
How about you? It's it time to get rid of some garbage in your life? You don't have to keep it.
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