“I love technology!” A statement that is both a blessing and a curse. For those who are early adopters, the newest version has bugs. For those who are in the bell curve and beyond, you get used to using a piece of tech just before they update it. The cycle is endless.
Similarly, we know that with the copious amounts of information we process everyday it is vital to review and remind ourselves of the core principles and values that guide our lives. The Bible calls it ‘renewing your mind’; refreshing the information to the forefront of our thoughts.
This week we took another look in our theme Refresh, focusing on our identity in Christ. From Colossians, we read the letter from Paul and Timothy to the church at Colossae
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6, 7 NIV)
They were encouraged to be Rooted. Built. Strengthened. Overflowing.
The imagery reminds of of Christ’s teachings using a tree or vine as an example.. alive and growing. In this idea Paul continues…
Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. (Colossians 2:10-12 NIV)
We see that we are cut away from our old lives, from sin.
We are baptized with Christ; dead to sin and alive in God.
It reminds us that sin and death have no hold over us. It brings about a good question:
How much sinning does a dead man do? ZERO.
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Colossians 2:13-15 NIV)
We are free, liberated by the forgiveness of our sins by Christ, held back no longer but instead victorious with Jesus in his triumph at the cross.
We are alive. We are free. Let’s act like it.