In 1996 Steven Curtis Chapman put out an album entitled Signs of Life. The title song from that album asks the question:
Where are the signs, where are the signs of life;
The love that proves there is a beating heart inside?
Where are the signs, where are the signs of life;
The compassion and concern that makes this world turn?
Where are the signs of life?
In Colossians 3, Paul talks about signs of life within us, but he does not begin where so many of us begin. When we begin looking for signs of life we start asking about what kinds of things we’re doing or not doing; and Paul does get there, but he starts somewhere else.
The first sign of life is this: Is Jesus’ tomb empty? He says, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Did Jesus rise from the dead and ascend into heaven? If so, through faith in Him, you have died and your life is wrapped up in Jesus. This is essential, and we must not gloss it over. God’s Word teaches us that we are spiritually dead apart from Christ. In other words, without Jesus’ action we’re just a bag of bones incapable of doing anything. We need life poured into us, and that is only possible because Jesus died and rose for us.
Not only that, but Jesus also ascended into heaven. So, having been made alive we also see that we have a destination to head for, living for the day when we will be welcomed home into the glory of God. So it is as we head to that destination that we begin seeing what we would usually call signs of life.
Paul starts with the negatives. “Put to death what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Before we received new life, these were the things that marked our earthly lives. Now we are called to put them aside along with anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscenities, lying and racism. These things will not help us know God or do His will. In fact, these sins harden our hearts and impede our Christian growth, so we are urged to be rid of them.
Then Paul turns to the positives, but even here he reminds us that God is the one who makes this possible! We are called to put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, forgiveness and love.
The verb that we’ve translated “put on” also means “wear.” We’re not “putting on” like putting a dish on a table, and we’re certainly not “putting you on” as in trying to fool or trick someone. We are wearing these things which are really characteristics of Jesus.
How can we do that? By letting, “the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” God’s Word at work in you is also God’s presence in you. The outward look of your life has everything to do with what/Who is dwelling in your heart. We can be dressed in Jesus, when He lives in us.
Lord, whatever I do today, let me do it in Jesus’ name, giving You thanks in everything. Amen.
Where are the signs, where are the signs of life;
The love that proves there is a beating heart inside?
Where are the signs, where are the signs of life;
The compassion and concern that makes this world turn?
Where are the signs of life?
In Colossians 3, Paul talks about signs of life within us, but he does not begin where so many of us begin. When we begin looking for signs of life we start asking about what kinds of things we’re doing or not doing; and Paul does get there, but he starts somewhere else.
The first sign of life is this: Is Jesus’ tomb empty? He says, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Did Jesus rise from the dead and ascend into heaven? If so, through faith in Him, you have died and your life is wrapped up in Jesus. This is essential, and we must not gloss it over. God’s Word teaches us that we are spiritually dead apart from Christ. In other words, without Jesus’ action we’re just a bag of bones incapable of doing anything. We need life poured into us, and that is only possible because Jesus died and rose for us.
Not only that, but Jesus also ascended into heaven. So, having been made alive we also see that we have a destination to head for, living for the day when we will be welcomed home into the glory of God. So it is as we head to that destination that we begin seeing what we would usually call signs of life.
Paul starts with the negatives. “Put to death what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Before we received new life, these were the things that marked our earthly lives. Now we are called to put them aside along with anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscenities, lying and racism. These things will not help us know God or do His will. In fact, these sins harden our hearts and impede our Christian growth, so we are urged to be rid of them.
Then Paul turns to the positives, but even here he reminds us that God is the one who makes this possible! We are called to put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, forgiveness and love.
The verb that we’ve translated “put on” also means “wear.” We’re not “putting on” like putting a dish on a table, and we’re certainly not “putting you on” as in trying to fool or trick someone. We are wearing these things which are really characteristics of Jesus.
How can we do that? By letting, “the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” God’s Word at work in you is also God’s presence in you. The outward look of your life has everything to do with what/Who is dwelling in your heart. We can be dressed in Jesus, when He lives in us.
Lord, whatever I do today, let me do it in Jesus’ name, giving You thanks in everything. Amen.
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