R³ Devotional - Day 349

Real Life Principle.
Colossians 3 is the call to live out our union with Christ in progressive sanctification. Since believers have been raised with Christ (vv. 1–4), our identity is no longer defined by the old sinful self but by our new life hidden with Christ in God. This demands a decisive break from earthly, fleshly patterns ("put to death" the old man, vv. 5–11) and an active pursuit of heavenly virtues ("put on the new man," vv. 12–17), all empowered by God's grace through the ordinary means of Word, prayer, and fellowship.

This is not moral self-improvement or legalism but gospel-driven transformation: we seek things above because Christ is our life (v. 4), and we clothe ourselves in Christlike character because we have been renewed in His image (v. 10). Everything—words, actions, relationships—must be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God (v. 17). Sanctification is God's sovereign work in us (Philippians 2:13), yet it requires diligent, faith-fueled effort, reflecting the Reformed emphasis on grace-enabled obedience without perfection in this life.

The chapter flows from doctrinal truth (our position in Christ) to practical duty, countering any false teaching that downplays holiness or elevates human rules over Christ's sufficiency.

Real Life Applications.
This principle reshapes everyday Christian living by orienting our affections heavenward while addressing earthly responsibilities:

Heavenly Mindset Amid Trials: In anxiety, materialism, or worldly distractions, setting our minds on things above provides eternal perspective, fostering contentment and resilience rather than chasing fleeting pleasures.
Moral Purity and Relationships: Putting off sins like immorality, anger, and slander promotes godly homes, workplaces, and churches—wives submitting, husbands loving, children obeying, employees working heartily—as unto the Lord (vv. 18–25).

Church Unity and Worship: Clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and love (v. 14), believers pursue peace and mutual edification, letting Christ's word dwell richly through teaching, singing, and thanksgiving (v. 16).

Evangelistic Witness: A life marked by the new self displays Christ's renewing power across cultural barriers (v. 11), making the gospel attractive in a watching world.

Relevant Action Steps
Pursuing holiness through God's appointed means of grace—Scripture, prayer, sacraments, and church life—while relying on the Spirit, not self-effort:

Set Your Mind on Christ Daily: Begin each day meditating on Colossians 3:1–4, perhaps memorizing it. Pray for a heavenly focus, asking God to renew your mind through His Word (Romans 12:2), redirecting thoughts from earthly worries to Christ's exalted position.

Mortify Sin Actively: Identify specific "earthly" sins (e.g., greed, anger, impure thoughts) from vv. 5–9. Confess them, repent, and "put them to death" by avoiding triggers, accountability with a fellow believer, and replacing them with Scripture-saturated alternatives.

Put On Christlike Virtues: Intentionally "clothe yourself" (v. 12) with compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. Practice one virtue daily—e.g., forgive as Christ forgave you (v. 13)—and let love bind them together.

Let Christ's Word Dwell Richly: Read and study Scripture daily, allowing it to "dwell in you richly" (v. 16). Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in personal worship and corporate gatherings; teach and admonish others in Bible studies or family devotions.

Do Everything for Christ's Glory: In all activities—work, family interactions, conversations—pause to ask, "Am I doing this in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks?" (v. 17). Commit to local church involvement for mutual encouragement in these pursuits, trusting God's power for growth in Christlikeness.