Colossians 3:5-11; James 3:1-12 – Dealing With The Heart
The apostle Paul had given general instructions to the believers about how they were to deal with their own sinful nature, and he follows that up by being specific about the vices that are to be rejected.
There are two lists that are given in these verses, both containing five things. The first list in verse 5 describes the individual as he is in himself, and the second in verse 8 characterises him in his relation to other people.
What must be dealt with first is the heart. If the members of the body are devoted to immoral and impure things, it is because the heart is not right with God. Selfishness and greed will lead to a person desiring more and more to satisfy his own lusts and to make an idol of them; ‘If I have only enough of this, I shall be satisfied; it is my real aim, my sufficient good, that thing is a god to me, and my real worship is paid to it, whatever may be my nominal religion’. Alexander MacLaren.
The self-centredness that led to this kind of immorality was a part of their old lives when the wrath of God was upon them, but now that they have a new life in Christ, their behaviour is to be radically different. They are to ‘lay aside’ their ‘old self’ and its practices. This again focuses attention on the heart. If the heart is right with God, then there will be a right attitude towards our fellow man. The Christian should not be known as an angry, hasty man whose words are spiteful, harmful or deceitful. These are all manifestations of a life without Christ. ‘For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart’. Matthew 12:34.
Questions
- Gossip is so prevalent even in church circles – how can we make sure that out words are always helpful?
Prayer Points
- Pray that your words would be helpful.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.