I have been reading through the New Testament over the past month and a half. I started in Romans and am now in Colossians. I am reading in the Message, by Eugene Peterson, which is a contemporary language translation. It has been fascinating to get new insight into Paul. I have always known he was a man of firm opinion, but added to that picture in my mind is his tenderness, thoughtfulness, and sense of humor. These qualities temper Paul’s firm words, allowing me to see that they come from his deep love for the reader and from Christ. Intellectually, I knew this was true of Paul before I had read in the Message, but it is so refreshing and delighting to see this in a new way.
I was particularly struck this morning by a passage in Colossians 3. We have been through some upheaval at church this week (dh is on staff), and my stress level has been up. I have been snappy and tense (and eating lots of chocolate!), especially with dc. Paul is talking about how the old life is dead, and that our new life, our real life, even though invisible to spectators, is our life with Christ in God. He then goes on to discuss how we must kill off every thing connected with the old life, from sexual promiscuity, lust, etc., to bad temper and irritability. Ouch!
Paul then goes on to discuss what should be the wardrobe we dress in, “the wardrobe God picked out for us: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” Jesus, please help me to wear your wardrobe today!
