You've Been Stripped - Daily Devotional April 2, 2010

Daily Bible Reading - Leviticus 5, Psalm 3 & 4, Proverbs 20, Colossians 3

You've Been Stripped

There are many things we can be stripped of. We can be stripped of our pride, our rights, our job, a relationship or even a family member. Thinking about being stripped of these things often cause negative emotions to arise.

Today however, our reading in Colossians 3 reminds us of something we have been stripped of that should cause us to rejoice! Colossians 3:9 says, "... for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all it's wicked deeds." The moment you chose to became a follower of Jesus Christ the sinful nature was stripped away and you became a partaker of His divine nature.

We stripped off the sinful nature so the wicked deeds should have gone too right? Colossians lists such deeds, "sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires". Verses 7 and 8 say, "You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language." As we read this however, we may realize that some of these behaviors and actions still remain. So what is the key to getting rid of them?

They key is found at the beginning of the chapter in verses 1 and 2. If we continue to "set our sights on the realities of heaven" and "think about the things of heaven" we will find that our thoughts and behaviors will align with that which is in heaven, where Christ is seated.

Strip away the sinful nature today, become a follower of Jesus Christ. Set your sights on heaven and just watch and see how your thoughts, behaviors and life will begin to change.

Tomorrow's Bible Reading - Leviticus 6, Psalm 5 & 6, Proverbs 21, Colossians 4

Dream Big,
Katie