“Wow! They’ve shown us their true colors!” “Now we see who they really are!” If you’ve been alive long enough you’ve heard phrases similar this. Maybe you’ve even said them. Chances are someone has said them about you. And what usually sparks these comments? Often it’s negative behavior. Perhaps an outburst or an unkind action. Usually it’s someone operating in the flesh. When did we decide a person’s flesh is more the “real them” than their spirit man?
We do this with ourselves as well. We classify the “old me” as the “real me”. And we let that keep us from drawing closer to God. We identify with our flaws and mistakes and sinful behavior. We compare those things to the goodness of God and decide to disqualify ourselves from His presence. But the truth about us is what the Word says about us! Colossians 3:3 says “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” Once you have accepted Christ and proclaimed that He is you Lord and Savior, this verse can be put into practice.
Colossians 3:1-2 (MSG) says “So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ-that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.” For some, full revelation and application of our new resurrection life takes time.
So, how then do let this Word work in you? This Living Word has to become alive in you, not just in front of you! Meditate on the scripture by reading it and processing each part of it. Break each passage into bite sized pieces that you can chew on for a while. Consider what the verse shows you about the character of God. Consider what changes the verse urges you to make. Consider how you can apply the verse in daily living. After that, you have to stick to the changes you’ve made. By this time, the verse has become a part of you! This is what it looks like to walk out the Word!
If it’s others you have a harder time seeing as resurrected here’s a few verses to meditate on. Ephesians 4:29-32 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ in God forgave you. Also consider Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
We encourage all of you to get in the scripture and get to know the “real you”. Find out what God calls you. Here are some places to start! God calls you Beloved (Ephesians 2:4-5), His Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10), Wonderfully Made (Psalm 139:13-14), Chosen(Ephesians 1:4), Holy (Colossians 1:21-22), Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7), A New Creation (Ephesians 4:22-24), Redeemed (Ephesians 1:7), and Child of the King (1 John 3:1). We pray that you will grow in your Godfidence (God confidence) as you learn who you truly are in Christ! And as you grow and learn we pray you extend this new knowledge, through love, kindness, and forgiveness, to those around you!
