A Real Put On.

Most of the time when we hear someone is giving us a put on we think of something not to be admired. After all we want what is real and genuine. Aren't we to be genuine? Many will use being genuine as an excuse for harshness. However scripture is filled with put ons.

Here are some:

Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ESV

So many times we wish to demonize those with which we disagree. How dare they think differently then we do? Now I’m not talking about denying the person of Christ nor his finished work. This demonizing can refer to a persons understanding of the order of salvation or thinking it is not an order at all, church government, church name or any number of issues. Each person is usually fully persuaded whatever he or she thinks is correct. If he or she sees something else is actually the truth plain thinking will cause them to change his or her mind. This comes by patient bible teaching not waging war.

How radical can you get to advise us to have compassionate hearts? Kindness? Humility? Meekness? Patience? Love?! Common brother Paul you have got to be kidding.

Oh, here we go:

Colossians 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. ESV

We have died and become new creatures. We are to seek heavenly things where Jesus is seated. These things will not occur in glory. Wow that would be heaven wouldn’t it? However we are not to be so heavenly minded we are of no earthly good. V. 17 tells us to do everything in the name of our Lord Jesus and in thankfulness to our Father. Do? Oh perish the thought! These are real law not just polite suggestions. As law they accuse, inform and accuse some more. Our desire is to do these things but the more we try the more we see failure. This shows we can definitely not live apart from a crucified and resurrected Jesus. How wonderful we can repent, receive forgiveness each day and start again.

In the name of Jesus. Amen. †