Devotion

SITUATION

Paul provided the Colossian church with guidelines for proper conduct. Paul needed to remind the Colossians whom they served.

OBSERVATION

A deep personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ will transform every area of our lives.

INSPIRATION

God … changes the man by changing the mind. And how does it happen? By doing what you are doing right now. Considering the glory of Christ. “We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

To behold Him is to become like Him. As Christ dominates your thoughts, He changes you from one degree of glory to another until—hang on!—you are ready to live with Him.

Heaven is the land of sinless minds. Virus-free thinking. Absolute trust. No fear or anger. Shame and second-guessing are practices of a prior life. Heaven will be wonderful, not because the streets are gold, but because our thoughts will be pure.

So what are you waiting on? Apply God’s antivirus. “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). Give Him your best thoughts, and see if He doesn’t change your mind. (From Next Door Savior by Max Lucado)

APPLICATION

Is your relationship with Jesus noticeable by your words? Ask God for a vocabulary that reflects love for others without any bitterness or hate.

EXPLORATION

“Becoming Like Christ—Acts 3:19; Romans 5:1-5; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 2 Corinthians 1:21, 22; 1 Peter 3:8.”