By Reverend J. Loren Russell
Colossians 3:12-17 NKJV
These verses of scripture are subtitled “Character of the New Man” in the Spirit-Filled Bible. That’s a most appropriate title because the verses give clear instructions to develop the characteristics of one who has put away earthly and fleshly desires of “anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth” (v.8). The Apostle Paul is talking about those who ”Do not lie to one another,” and have a sincere desire to “put off the old man with his deeds, and put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (v.10).
If I can be transparent with you, it’s going to take more than a superficial desire to take on these characteristics, it’s going to take commitment and persistency. Paul provides a formula that anyone can apply if they make a commitment and remain persistent in their application. They must not only begin the process of taking on these characteristics, they must maintain a steadfast determination to be the person who has the characteristics of the new man/woman described in the text. We must be determined to make a transformation of our minds as well as in our actions (Romans 12:2).
Paul wanted to be sure that he left nothing to chance. The specific character traits are stated in the first verse and continue throughout the text. It does not take a supernatural occurrence to acquire these characteristics because anyone committed to the change can have them. He tells his readers to robe themselves, which means that each of these characteristics are available and obtainable to anyone who wants them. To “put on” means that we must robe ourselves. The list is not exhaustive, but it is comprehensive; tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing (putting up with) and forgiving each other. The text is in the present tense, meaning it must be done right here and right now. By inference, it won’t be accomplished unless and until we eliminate the tendency to procrastinate. Once you begin, please don’t quit no matter how rough it gets.
The dawn of a new year is upon us and each of us should be wrestling with one question; “Who am I going to be in 2020?” Material things are temporal, so it does not matter how much we own. The characteristics of the new man/woman in the text are everlasting. They transform us on the inside the moment we put them into practice, they then conform us into the image of God which shows up on the outside. When people see you, they’ll see the Lord.
Let me suggest that you make a commitment today to be a new man or a new woman in the new year. Let me encourage you today to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (v. 16). If you do, you will be a new you for a new year.
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting; an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx; and creator & host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen on Matters of Faith on Facebook LIVE.
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