Read Colossians 3:1-17 …
Sometimes folks get into a rut and a well-meaning friend might give the unsolicited advice of – “Why don’t you (fill in the blank)? The change will do you good.” While there is value to being in a rut at times: it gives one stability, it makes life more navigable, it helps keep the unknown at bay; still, change can be good. Often a change in perspective helps one to see things that had gone unnoticed before; a change in routine might make things a bit more exciting for a while as the element of the unknown is introduced; making a new rut might even make one stronger as new challenges are faced and overcome. Paul tells us that we are to be changed – “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2; NKJV). The word in that verse translated “transformed” is a derivative of the Greek word metamorphoo, and it’s easy to see what word we get from this word – metamorphosis.
Lenski remarks on this passage that, “We can do no better in English than to follow Field (M.-M. 613): ‘be not outwardly conformed but be inwardly transformed.’”[i] There certainly must be a transformation when one becomes a Christian, but that change must be more than a mere verbal assent. The outward conformity that the Christian is to shun is conformity to the world, the age in the history of humanity that extends from the first to the second coming of Christ. We know that this age, this present world, is evil (Gal. 1:4). How can it be anything other when “the god of this age” has blinded so many (2 Cor. 4:4)? Remaining in a conformed condition to the world, to this age, is what Paul reminds the Corinthians that they had removed themselves from (1 Cor. 6:7-11). They were at one time conformed to the world, to the people of the world, but something had changed in them that made them different: they changed their mind.
As is often the case, change begins on the inside, and while that change may occur, without a visible change on the outside – in behavior, the inner change remains unrealized. There is the idea of a person being a “functional atheist” which points to the fact that an inward change is claimed but there is no outward conformity to the will and commands of God. Paul reminds us that when a person puts on Christ they are to put off “fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Col. 3:5). Paul continues:
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” (Col. 3:12-13).
Notice that all of these attributes, these traits, are best expressed in the life of a Christian when they are practiced toward others.
But why? Why make the change? Jesus tells us that when our lives change from evil to good, that we become a light, and as such we are to let our “light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). The light that is now within us is outwardly expressed as works which do not amplify ourselves, but point to the One that made the change possible – our Father in heaven. We often place the focus of our “good works” on helping others, what is commonly referred to as benevolence,” and this is a wonderful thing! There are many in the world, in our country, in our state, county, town, and neighborhood that can and should benefit from the Christian’s outward expression in good deeds of the inward change. Yet are there not other good works that others can see that point to God? When the Christian refuses to join in with the iniquities of this world we take a stand for God (1 Pet. 4:4). When the Christian orders their lives by the instructions and encouragements of the Scripters we take a stand for God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). When the Christian seeks out the company of other Christians in worship for mutual edification, we take a stand for God (Heb. 10:24-25). David Lipscomb once wrote, “Whatever has a tendency to wean away from the service of God is sinful and ought to be avoided.”[ii] Advice from another generation, but sage advice, nonetheless.
[i] R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1961), 749.
[ii] M. C. Kurfees, ed. Questions Answered by Lipscomb and Sewell (Nashville: Gospel Advocate Co., 1963), 105.
the odd weekend preacher 