Guide to prayer: what does God what out of me?



I've used Paul's letter to the Colossians as a prayer book for several years. A passage that has stood out for me for a week or two is this Colossians 3:5-7: Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming [Some early manuscripts coming on those who are disobedient]. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. A few thoughts on the subject:
  1. The Doobie Brothers once had an album called "what were once vices are now habits." The list of what we should put to death reads like a summary of modern culture, both in and out of church.
  2. The wrath of God: those of us who grew up with family members with explosive tempers may not understand: the wrath of God is not a temper tantrum about naughty people ignoring him. On the contrary, it is (1) measured, (2) justified, (3) and overwhelming.
  3. "You used to walk in these ways." Each of us needs to admit, even if only to ourselves, that we are a source of God's wrath. Actually, I think it may be harder to admit this to one's self than it is to admit it to others. You can't lie to yourself.

Fortunately, he follows this up with some positive injunctions in Col 3:12-15: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

I find it a lot easier to think about a subject than to not think about another one.

Posted: Tue - June 14, 2005 at 06:58 AM           | |

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