11-12-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 12, 2020
Scripture: Colossians 3:11-12
In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all! As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

Thought for the Day: These verses in the third chapter of Colossians have been blowing my mind ever since I came across them with fresh eyes. For those who have clothed themselves in Christ (yesterday’s devotional), there is a renewal by which certain divisions disappear, yet what does that mean? In renewal, did a person’s skin color change or did a slave suddenly become a free Roman citizen? No! At the same time, Paul offers us an image of how Christ is all and in all. As the world tries to divide, the Christ that is present in every single human being becomes our connecting point. If I know you are a beloved child of God, then whatever attributes, characteristics or other unique markers that make you the person you are can no longer be viewed as a detriment or worthy of your exclusion. Paul goes on to speak of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. These are Christ-like qualities, and as they become more a part of our lives, then we will better see the Christ in others. Anger doesn’t allow us to see it. Selfishness also hampers our ability to see. Arrogance is a definite visual impairment. Let us do our best to see as Christ sees, and in doing so, discover the Christ in every person.

Prayer: Wherever I need some work, whether it is kindness or patience or compassion, may there be some improvement. Holy God, Living Christ, I want to see as you see. I want to recognize the unique beauty of every single person. If I can get rid of some of the negative, I might just glimpse a bit more of your magnificent masterpiece that is humanity. Amen.

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