What's the plan?

Continued devotion in Colossians 3 yields more gems for 2024.

After practicing more of the list noted in verses 12-16, one finds practical instructions for each believer and their office or station in life.

First, we are told that "whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do ALL in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by HIM."  3.17   

That means that in addition to thinking about what is  "true, honest, just and pure and of good report," Phil 4.8, one gives glory for all things good to "God the Father by Him (the Lord Jesus)."  Simply put "He must increase but we must decrease." Jn 3.30  Very clearly, the believer gets no credit because He or she is "laying up treasures" for another time.  Mt 6.19-21 

Second, each "office" has a directive: verses 18-22

• Wives submit
• Husbands love
• Children obey
• Fathers provoke not
• Servants obey

Interesting order. Especially curious at the "Fathers provoke not" stage.  The truth is, it's easier to be obedient to one in authority when its also done in love, kindness and mercy.

Third, verse 23 instructs that "whatsoever ye do, do heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."  Seems pretty clear that this instruction emanates from the attitude and heart of obedient behavior.  One should question whether an obedient behavior is done with a willing heart or begrudgingly because there is no choice or it's a duty to do so.

Why do a thing with a willing, grateful heart?  Because you are "laying up treasures." Mt. 6.19-21

In His blessed Name, Site Moderator