Be Wise
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
(Proverbs 9:10 English Standard Version)
The Challenge of Colossians
Colossians 3-4:1 is a pretty simple to understand section of the letter, coming from the implications/application of the preceeding chapters. Provided you understand and have come to believe in it (the preceeding chapters) of course.
One thing that strikes me now as I study and think things over is this: if these things are an implication of what the Cross had achieved for us all, then what does my difference in thoughts/actions speak about what I truly believe?
Not that doing/thinking things like this would save us, but there's a certain manner to live if we've come to realize and accept the gravity of the situation we were in, and how great the gift that plucked us from the jaws of death.
Have a lot to change...and would need all the help (from God and those around me) I can get to remember daily...and act accordingly.
Lest We Forget
We tend to have regrets and the make resolutions for change at the turn of the year.
Later on we get lulled into a state of relaxation/complacency when we see some improvement or when we forget the pain of hindsight.
Which then brings us into the new year, and back into the state of despair/ruin/regret as when we looked back at this one...
See the pattern?
We need to keep self evaluating throughout the year, throughout the times. If this means that we keep being on our toes but yet keep striving to do things better, then so be it. The real rest will come eventually.
The wise look back and keep acting as if there's no time left...because they know there's an eternity coming for sure, for everyone.
I need to be wise.