MY BLOGS

Would you climb Kilimanjaro in high heels and a long evening dress? Neither will I, because the inappropriate attire will slow me down; neither does it protect my body against extreme heat or cold; and the high heels will for sure cause physical pain. What a silly thing to do!

Have you noticed how many times we opt for silly choices in our everyday life? We carry around baggage that slows us down and increases our pain. For the past nine months we discussed all the pain initiators, heavy loads, and silly choices: Perfectionism, hurry, stress, anxiety & fears, bitterness, complaining, gossip, slander, envy, meddling and idols. We learned how to get rid of it. (Refer my Let Go of Series blogs)

Today we are learning to put on the new, to dress appropriately for our everyday-life race. In his letter to the Colossians Paul advises us to “put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” He reminded us “whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus.” (1)

Paul lists the “new you”, the Christlike qualities to put on (2):

   - Tenderhearted mercy. To be compassionate and extend grace (not deserved) in the same way Jesus did for me.

   - Kindness. Kindness equals love. We can’t love without kindness. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (3)

   - Humility. It’s an attitude of our hearts. To let go of your selfishness, self-importance, self-centeredness. Put on willingness to learn from others and to listen. Submit in obedience to God. Remember God knows best. What God says about you is the truth and not what others think. Trust God above all and not our own strength.

   - Gentleness. Being considerate and showing care and respect for others in the way we act and speak. “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” (4)

   - Patience. It’s endurance and not giving way to your anger or our own way of doing.

   - Make allowance for each other’s faults.

   - Forgive anyone who offends you.

   - Clothe yourself with love.

   - Live in harmony.

   - Let peace rule in your hearts. (5)

   - And live in peace with one another.

   - Be thankful.

   - Fill your lives with rich message of Christ.

How do you become more like Christ?

Meditate on God’s Word, day, and night. Write out Scripture in your journal, and memorize it. (6) The more we soak in the Word, the more we learn the truth, hear his voice, and find guidance.

Dwell in Jesus’ presence through prayer, journaling and quiet time. In is presence we find love, grace, mercy, healing, and a new identity. By His divine power and the Holy Spirit, we receive “everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (7)

Jesus presence inspires us to pursue His mission, walk in obedience with boldness and serving others with a Christ-like character.

We are ambassadors for Jesus. “Whatever you do or say, do as a representative of the Lord Jesus” (8)

“Let the message about Christ in all its richness, fill your lives.” (9) Hold fiercely to what you know about Christ and how he changed your life. Share your stories about his compassion, grace, and healing.

Remember whose we are. We are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved (2), a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession (10). He called us out of the darkness, out of the perfectionism, hurry, stress, anxiety & fears, bitterness, complaining, gossip, slander, envy, meddling and idols. He called us into his wonderful light. Let us live light and “participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruptions in the world caused by evil desires.” (11)

Let’s lean into the Truth and be clothed with our new nature in Christ!

How can I help you on this journey? Or let me know how I can pray for you.

Again, a reminder to reach out to a qualified professional to assist with your emotional healing. I would love to hear how you’re faring in this “new normal” of our current circumstances. May God bless you and keep you. Leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.

Until Next Time

Anita Beukman

Your Hope Coach

Scripture References:

   1. Colossians 3: 10 – 17

   2. Colossians 3:12

   3. 1 Corinthians 13: 4

   4. Philippians 4: 5

   5. Colossians 3: 15

   6. Joshua 1:8

   7. 2 Peter 1: 3

   8. Colossians 3: 17

   9. Colossians 3:16a

   10. 1 Peter 2: 9

   11. 2 Peter 1: 4