Colossians 3 reminds me of the impact of group identity. That is, dividing people into groups based on select characteristics, then assigning good or evil to everyone in those groups. This kind of thinking allows us to blame other groups for our problems, rather than taking personal responsibility for our own actions. Today’s lesson is about accountability. Paul continues his letter to the church by noting that as believers, they have a greater obligation to represent themselves with integrity. Since you have been “raised with Christ”, you should “set your hearts on things above… not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ”. When I accepted Jesus as my Savior, I acknowledged Him as my authority. He paid the penalty for my sin by His death, and by His Spirit, I am made new. I still have free will, but with a new humility. Paul describes what he calls our earthy nature; “immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed”, adding, “You used to walk in these ways”. Every one of us have the capacity for corruption. Paul says, that was a former life. He continues, “rid yourselves of… anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other”. Once we are born again, we can draw on His strength to overcome. Paul tells the Colossians to “Put on the new self… which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator”. This is an ongoing, transformational process of understanding that each of us represent Christ. Our role is to point others to Him.
While we may have a shared experience that unite us into groups, Christ works in each of us individually. Paul describes it this way, “there is no Gentile or Jew… slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all”. Those that represent Christ should be clothed in “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience”. Because we are all imperfect, Paul reminds us to “Bear with each other and forgive one another”. Any time we are tempted to judge another soul as evil, Paul reminds us to “Forgive as the Lord forgave you”. That means letting go of our bitterness and blame. This is unnatural and only works when knitted together in Godly love. We must “put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity”. The church is to be a place where imperfect people gather to mend and heal. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts”. The result should be gratitude; “be thankful… giving thanks to God the Father”.
The chapter ends with one of the most misrepresented verse in the Bible. Paul has been teaching about each individual unselfishly uplifting others. In most of the ancient world, women had very few rights. Christ elevated women to co-equals. Now Paul explains how a family functions in harmony, defining each role with interdependent responsibilities. First, “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands”. He adds a qualifier for those that want to argue; “as is fitting in the Lord”. There is no obligation for anybody, man or woman, to be abused, or treated as inferior. Rather there is an added obligation, “Husbands, love your wives”. These two verses are connected. Ephesians 5:25 adds the notion of sacrificial love. He is to love her “as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her”. That does not mean she is weak; it represents an attitude, esteeming great love. I value and respect many, but I would risk my life for only a select few. Together these verses create structure for individuals to establish mutual accountability. Paul continues, “Children, obey your parents”, adding, “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged”. Again, Dad has a responsibility to be the man his child can honor. Finally, in reference to work, Paul tells us to honor God in our attitude, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord”. Salvation is offered to each of us individually. Friend, it is time to leave the mob?