Introduction
In our daily walk with Jesus Christ, we are called to live a life that reflects His righteousness, holiness, and love. The apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:1-25 (KJV), provides profound guidance on how believers should live in Christ. He outlines how we are to set our minds on things above, put away sinful behaviors, and walk in the newness of life, clothed in the virtues of Christ. This chapter serves as a blueprint for anyone desiring a closer walk with Jesus and a transformation into His image.
Let us examine Colossians 3 to understand how we can deepen our relationship with Christ and live according to His will.
Seeking the Things Above (Colossians 3:1-4)
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:1-2, KJV)
A closer walk with Jesus begins with a shift in focus. When we are truly born again, our desires and priorities should be heavenly rather than earthly. This does not mean we ignore our responsibilities, but rather, our ultimate goal is to live for eternity with Christ rather than being consumed by the temporary things of this world.
How to Set Your Affection on Things Above:
Daily prayer and communion with God.
Meditating on God's Word to renew the mind.
Prioritizing obedience to Christ over worldly pleasures.
Surrounding yourself with godly influences that encourage spiritual growth.
When we fix our hearts on Jesus, we live with the understanding that our true life is hidden in Him (Colossians 3:3).
Putting Off the Old Man (Colossians 3:5-9)
"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry." (Colossians 3:5, KJV)
A closer walk with Christ requires dying to the old sinful nature. Paul lists the sinful behaviors that must be removed from a believer’s life, including sexual immorality, impurity, greed, anger, malice, blasphemy, and lying.
Practical Steps to Mortify the Flesh:
Recognize sin as God sees it—not as something minor but destructive.
Confess and repent of past sins.
Rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to resist temptation.
Remove triggers that lead to sinful habits (e.g., ungodly entertainment, bad company).
Replace sinful behaviors with righteous actions.
Since we are now new creatures in Christ, we must lay aside the old self and embrace the new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Putting On the New Man (Colossians 3:10-17)
"And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." (Colossians 3:10, KJV)
Walking closely with Christ is not just about removing sin; it is also about putting on Christ-like character. Paul highlights the godly virtues that should define a believer’s life, such as:
Christ-like Characteristics to Put On:
Mercy – Showing compassion to others.
Kindness – Being gentle and considerate.
Humility – Acknowledging our dependence on God.
Meekness – Exercising self-control and patience.
Longsuffering – Enduring trials and forgiving others.
Love – The bond of perfection that holds everything together (Colossians 3:14).
Living in the Peace of Christ:
Let the peace of God rule in your heart (Colossians 3:15).
Be thankful always.
Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly—study Scripture and apply it to your life.
Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to encourage your spirit.
Everything we do should be done in the name of Jesus, giving glory to God (Colossians 3:17).
Christ-Centered Relationships (Colossians 3:18-25)
Our walk with Christ is also reflected in how we interact with others—especially in our homes and workplaces. Paul gives instructions for godly relationships:
Wives – Submit to your husbands as it is fit in the Lord (Colossians 3:18).
Husbands – Love your wives and be not bitter against them (Colossians 3:19).
Children – Obey your parents in all things (Colossians 3:20).
Fathers – Do not provoke your children, lest they be discouraged (Colossians 3:21).
Servants (Employees/Workers) – Work heartily as unto the Lord, not just for men (Colossians 3:23).
The Key to Godly Relationships:
Treat others with respect and love as Christ commands.
Serve with integrity, knowing that we ultimately serve God.
Focus on pleasing Christ, rather than seeking approval from people.
Conclusion: Walking Daily with Christ
A closer walk with Jesus Christ requires:
Setting our minds on things above rather than earthly distractions.
Putting off sinful behaviors that hinder our relationship with God.
Clothing ourselves with Christ-like virtues of love, kindness, and humility.
Maintaining godly relationships that reflect Christ’s love.
Doing all things for God’s glory, knowing that we serve Christ in everything.
By living according to Colossians 3, we align ourselves with the heart of Christ, allowing His Spirit to transform us daily. As we surrender our lives to Him, He will guide us closer to His presence, His purpose, and His peace.
A Daily Prayer for a Closer Walk with Christ:
"Lord Jesus, help me to set my mind on things above and not be entangled with the things of this world. Teach me to put off the old man and clothe myself in Your righteousness. Fill my heart with Your peace, and let my life be a reflection of Your love and truth. May everything I do bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
May we all strive daily to walk closer with Jesus, living out the truths of Colossians 3 in our thoughts, actions, and relationships.
Praise the Lord! What a beautiful reflection on Colossians 3, and a timely reminder to set our hearts on heavenly rather than earthly things, which will all burn, anyway.