Purge

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another… (Colossians 3:12-13a).

Our closets are filled with clothes, but that does not mean we like wearing everything in our closets. Some pants are too tight, too short, too baggy. We have sweaters that have shrunk, blouses with snug sleeves, and t-shirts with stains. We know we need to clean out our closets. Some things just do not fit anymore.

It is like that with our faith. We are not the people we once were. We no longer fit into our old lives and the stains that we previously wore have been removed. When we are new creations in Christ, it is necessary for us to purge our life's closet. We release what we once desired, and in a sense, bag it up and take it out to the curb. Those things no longer fit.

As Paul writes to the Colossians, he reminds them that their old lifestyle does not fit their new faith in Christ. Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). He strategically uses the word meek. This term is often confused with timidity or weakness. However, the depth of the word centers around humility, strength, and sovereignty. Paul’s new life in Christ reflected meekness as he exhibited humble strength, bending his knee to God’s omnipotence. He called on the Colossians to do that. God is calling on us to do the same.

Make time to take an inventory of your life. List the things that you once desired or pursued. Are they of God? Do they fit your new life in Christ? It may be time to purge your life's closet, opening space for a lifestyle that fits your faith in Him. Let's do it together!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, reveal to us the things in our lives that are not of you, the things that do not fit who we are in Christ. Give us eyes to see and the courage to purge what is keeping us from growing deeper in our relationship with You. This is not be an easy task. Clothe us in meekness, granting us a deeply rooted, humble strength that is constantly aware of Your power in our lives. Help us to always make space for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.