12/26/18

"Off" and "On" by Gary Rose



The older I become, the less I know. But, I do know that my dog loves me. Why? Well, who really knows? But, I like to think he sees something in me that others may not. Perhaps he just can “sense” that I care for him, or is feeding him or petting him or taking him for a walk enough, or is is something else?
All this raises questions. Am I really good (bad) and if so, am I always this way?

And if I see a “not-so-good” side of me, can I get better? It is written…


Colossians (World English Bible)
 1 If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.  2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.  3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  4 When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.  5 Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;  6 for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.  7 You also once walked in those, when you lived in them;  8 but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.  9 Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings,  10 and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator,  11 where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. 

  12  Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;  13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. 

  14  Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. 


To get better (and hopefully stay that way), I should:
1. Seek things above vs. 1f..
2. Remember that Christ is your life- follow him vs. 3.
3. Put to death (put off, don’t do) this list vss. 5-9.
4. Put on (do the following) 10-13.


Not sure what to do… try to live a life that is filled with LOVE.

Not sure how to do THAT? Remember that picture????