Colossians 3:1-11 (NRSV)
Read Colossians 3:1-11 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 3So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Verse 2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, Verse 3for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Verse 4When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
Verse 5Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). Verse 6On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient. Verse 7These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life.
Verse 8But now you must get rid of all such things-anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth. Verse 9Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices Verse 10and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. Verse 11In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all!
Devotion
It's unfortunate that the writer of Colossians equates "whatever in you is earthly" with vice. Out of context, this word choice seems to create a sense of duality: that which is virtuous is heavenly, that which surrounds us on earth is problematic. These words seem to question the value of this earth, our physical home.
But as we read this passage, it's helpful to remain anchored on its bookend themes of resurrection and renewal. From this perspective, this isn't a critique of our earthly home, but a reminder that Christ is making all things new. Baptized into Christ's death and resurrection, we are called to take note of that renewal — and to join Christ in that work. As the planet warms and weather patterns grow more intense, may we have the courage to come together as a community for renewal and change on behalf of God's creation.
Prayer
God of lakes and streams, seas and oceans, you bring us all into your ongoing work of resurrection and renewal. Help us to see opportunities where we can join together in you for the salvation of a planet in peril. Amen.