Today’s SuperVerse is Colossians 3:23 – Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters
Paul begins this section with an impassioned plea: to forsake all earthly sinful thoughts and desires – such as sexual immorality or slandering. He provides specific examples such as sexual misconduct or gossiping.
Wives should submit to their husbands as is fitting before God; children should obediently obey their parents without eye service but from an honest heart; bondservants, work hard as though you work for God alone rather than man; knowing that from Him will come your inheritance as your reward.
Mortify the Flesh
Paul cautioned the Colossians against engaging in behaviors associated with old life. Sexual immorality and the pursuit of material gain were two high priorities to abandon as Christians.
These behaviors run counter to Jesus’ nature, and so must be eliminated. Paul refers to these “lesser” sins as those common among unbelievers; Christians should strive to avoid them so as to take full advantage of Christ’s power in their lives.
The Apostle encourages believers to pursue “things above” (verses 3:5-11). These include deepening your knowledge and close communion with Jesus Christ, experiencing His resurrection power firsthand, cultivating godly virtues like compassion and kindness as godly virtues that enhance ministry effectiveness and fruitful witnessing efforts, as well as cultivating spiritual wisdom that goes beyond superficial principles in this world and their leaders; developing an eternal perspective is essential to remaining relevant in an increasingly turbulent culture; it prevents falling away into sinful lifestyles leading to death and must avoid falling away into sinful sinful lifestyles which could otherwise lead to sinful lives characterized by sinful lifestyles leading to death apostasy altogether – it must remain relevant if believers wish to stay relevant!
Put on the New Self
The old self is one who seeks power, approval, comfort, and security through sinful behavior; yet God’s Word and truth help shape a new self that bears Jesus’ image and seeks his will alone to achieve its goals.
The Bible urges its readers to forsake bitterness, anger, wrath, shouting, and malice and speak the truth with those around them. Although your old self will try its hardest to resist change, your new one will ultimately win out in time.
Remaking ourselves to reflect Christ requires renewing the spirit of your mind; that’s where real change will take place. Christians are taught by Paul that fundamental change should occur at a fundamental level – something they hadn’t experienced before in school; this school of grace offers courses with radical courses such as changing soul, attitude, and habit structures completely.
Do All Things for the Glory of God
When life’s tedious tasks – from menial duties at work and home to frustrating moments between spouses or children, being stuck in traffic or simply eating fast food – seem pointless or irrelevant, believers should remember they must glorify God with all they do – this may be challenging but many have managed to overcome this hurdle successfully.
From Abraham to Moses and Jeremiah leading Israel and finally, Jesus giving up His own life on the cross for God’s glory – God often rewarded his loyal followers in various ways throughout Scripture for their faithful service. Abraham received a land grant, Moses led Israel under Jeremiah, while Jesus willingly laid down His life for the greater good.
Paul concludes by issuing a straightforward yet profound reminder to all believers: whatever we do in word or deed should be done heartily for the Lord alone and not for man; understanding that as soon as He blesses our efforts with an inheritance we shall receive it as reward from Him. Interestingly enough, this section does not provide exact details; leaving room for discernment to take place.
Don’t Proudly Disobey Your Parents
Recklessly disobeying your parents should never be your goal – doing so will only bring misery upon yourself and more importantly cause immense harm to their welfare. There is nothing more humiliating than watching their suffering come about due to disobedient children.
As long as they don’t violate God’s Word, listening to your parents should not be seen as sinful or wrong. However, obeying them could be seen as wrong and be considered sinful behavior.
Paul emphasizes holy living within all household relationships (Colossians 3:18-4:1). Belief requires obedience to parents as this pleases God; He resists those who exalt themselves, yet shows mercy to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). Obedience to parents can bring blessings; children should honor and obey them unless what they ask is in violation with biblical truth.
