No aspect of the Christian’s life is untouched by the divine work of sanctification (the pursuit of God-given holiness in practical areas of life). The social institutions of marriage, family, and work provide the means for redemptive life to be displayed in sharp contrast to the world in which we live. Christians are never to just go along with the whims of the world; rather we must pursue holiness in each aspect of life.
This Christ-centered approach to living, we shall see, re-shapes all of our earthly relations in dramatic fashion. Because of our union with Christ (3:1-4), we will live differently and distinctly. Because you have died with Jesus Christ, because you have been raised up with Jesus Christ, because Jesus Christ is your life, because you have the hope of glorification with Jesus Christ, we can action to live as a believer. We can because of your union with Christ. We must because of the price paid for your salvation. We will because of the sanctifying work going on in you.
As you and I, with grace-driven effort, put off and put on, we will undoubtedly impact others for the glory of God. When our lives are full of Him, we cannot but spill over to others. One writer puts it this way: PPS3 "The surest sign that you are carrying a full bucket is wet feet. That is true to our experience is it not? Whenever we attempt to carry a full bucket to clean the floor or wash the car, we always get wet feet! And when our lives are full, they will overflow." (Hughes, Colossians, p. 109) Well, what is the secret to 'wet feet'? |
