December 28, 2018
To read full passage click: Colossians 3:12-17 …“As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” vs. 12
Imagine what an impact Christianity could have had on the world if God’s chosen ones had actually sought to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Suppose these had been our identifying marks rather than doctrines about the nature of Christ, or a proper understanding of the Trinity? Of course, such speculation is fruitless. Christianity became a religion instead of remaining a movement. Followers of Jesus began to pay more attention to what they believed than how they behaved. And, as they moved even further from the Way, they began to clothe themselves with armor instead of love. Soon, Christians were killing one another with delight and found glory in massacres and mayhem. It’s a sorry history–it’s no wonder we’re held in such contempt by so many. Of course, not all have wandered from the Way of Jesus. We can be grateful for those who have continued to act with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. In them, the Christ has survived, and it may be that in these latter days they will prosper and flourish. The world has had enough of doctrinal disputes and petty denominational wars. The least and the lost are hungry for our attention and yearning to be fed. We are indeed God’s chosen ones and like Jesus we’ve been called to proclaim good news to the poor and release to those who are held captive.
Thought for the Day: What’s the difference between a religion and a movement?
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