Colossians 3:9-11
And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. – Colossians 3:10
Click to read passage
The “old self” mentioned in this passage refers to the way we once lived before knowing Christ, a life marked by selfishness, falsehood, judgmental attitudes, pride, and viewing others according to human standards. The “new self,” however, is the renewed life we receive through the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Paul especially emphasises that this “new self” is “being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” In other words, believing in Jesus is not only a change of status, but an ongoing process of transformation. A person who truly follows Christ will not remain the same forever, but will gradually become more and more like Jesus.
This renewal is not limited by culture, age, or background. Therefore, Paul continues by saying: “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised… but Christ is all, and in all.”
In the world around us, it is easy to divide people into categories. We naturally compare education, language, background, age, financial status, and even spiritual maturity. Younger people may feel that older generations do not understand them. Older believers may think the younger generation is immature. Those from different cultural backgrounds may quietly keep their distance from one another.
Sometimes, even within the church, we unknowingly begin to see one another through merely human eyes.
We may assume that some people are more spiritual because they are more gifted in serving. We may find certain personalities difficult because they speak more directly. We may distance ourselves from newcomers because they come from a different background or are unfamiliar with church culture.
Yet Paul reminds us that in Christ, what ultimately defines us is no longer our past, our achievements, or our background, but the fact that we all belong to Jesus.
Every believer is experiencing God’s renewing work. Some grow quickly, others slowly. Some are warm and expressive, while others are quiet and reserved. Yet all of us are recipients of grace, and all of us are still growing.
Therefore, we should not feel superior or hold prejudices against one another. God is not merely concerned with outward appearances or present weaknesses, but with hearts that are willing to be continually renewed by Him.
The church is not a gathering of perfect people. It is a community of people learning to follow Jesus and grow together. A truly spiritual church is not marked by comparison, but by mutual encouragement; not by labelling one another, but by learning to receive one another with the love of Christ.
May FMC continue to be a grace-filled spiritual family. Regardless of age, background, language, culture, or stage of growth, may we be willing to lay aside human judgments and grow together in the Lord (Grow), reflect Christ’s love (Glow), and live out His mission (Go).
For we firmly believe we are “One family in Christ”, for “Christ is all, and in all.”
Reflection:
Do I still view fellow brothers and sisters according to past impressions, backgrounds, or personal standards? Today, am I willing to genuinely receive and walk alongside those who are different from me with the eyes of Christ?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank You for making us new in Christ. Continue to renew my life, and remove the pride, prejudice, and judgment within my heart. Teach us to receive and support one another with the love of Christ. May FMC be a spiritual family that grows together, is continually renewed together, and glorifies Christ together. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Click to read passage
The “old self” mentioned in this passage refers to the way we once lived before knowing Christ, a life marked by selfishness, falsehood, judgmental attitudes, pride, and viewing others according to human standards. The “new self,” however, is the renewed life we receive through the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Paul especially emphasises that this “new self” is “being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” In other words, believing in Jesus is not only a change of status, but an ongoing process of transformation. A person who truly follows Christ will not remain the same forever, but will gradually become more and more like Jesus.
This renewal is not limited by culture, age, or background. Therefore, Paul continues by saying: “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised… but Christ is all, and in all.”
In the world around us, it is easy to divide people into categories. We naturally compare education, language, background, age, financial status, and even spiritual maturity. Younger people may feel that older generations do not understand them. Older believers may think the younger generation is immature. Those from different cultural backgrounds may quietly keep their distance from one another.
Sometimes, even within the church, we unknowingly begin to see one another through merely human eyes.
We may assume that some people are more spiritual because they are more gifted in serving. We may find certain personalities difficult because they speak more directly. We may distance ourselves from newcomers because they come from a different background or are unfamiliar with church culture.
Yet Paul reminds us that in Christ, what ultimately defines us is no longer our past, our achievements, or our background, but the fact that we all belong to Jesus.
Every believer is experiencing God’s renewing work. Some grow quickly, others slowly. Some are warm and expressive, while others are quiet and reserved. Yet all of us are recipients of grace, and all of us are still growing.
Therefore, we should not feel superior or hold prejudices against one another. God is not merely concerned with outward appearances or present weaknesses, but with hearts that are willing to be continually renewed by Him.
The church is not a gathering of perfect people. It is a community of people learning to follow Jesus and grow together. A truly spiritual church is not marked by comparison, but by mutual encouragement; not by labelling one another, but by learning to receive one another with the love of Christ.
May FMC continue to be a grace-filled spiritual family. Regardless of age, background, language, culture, or stage of growth, may we be willing to lay aside human judgments and grow together in the Lord (Grow), reflect Christ’s love (Glow), and live out His mission (Go).
For we firmly believe we are “One family in Christ”, for “Christ is all, and in all.”
Reflection:
Do I still view fellow brothers and sisters according to past impressions, backgrounds, or personal standards? Today, am I willing to genuinely receive and walk alongside those who are different from me with the eyes of Christ?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank You for making us new in Christ. Continue to renew my life, and remove the pride, prejudice, and judgment within my heart. Teach us to receive and support one another with the love of Christ. May FMC be a spiritual family that grows together, is continually renewed together, and glorifies Christ together. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.