In the first part of this message, we introduced the topic of our personal deportment – our behavior and manners as God’s children that influences the view of others about God.
Here we’re going to look briefly at Colossians Chapter 3 (I recommend you read the whole chapter), where Paul urges us to seek those things which are above, setting our affections there and not on the things of earth. We are to “put off” negative behaviors and “put on” behaviors that reflect the nature of God while His peace rules in our hearts. The chapter can be summarized under the following headings:
- Adjust Your Purpose and Practice (3:1-2)
As a child of God, our perspective on everlasting life with Him should influence our priorities on earth. Our primary tools in developing the right perspective are the Bible and prayer, which should be seen as an ongoing conversation with God. Paul phrases it this way in 2 Corinthians 4:18—we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.
Ultimately, we must exercise our will and make choices that drive our behavior.
- Stop Doing Immoral Things (3:5)
Paul’s radical suggestion is to mortify therefore your members which are upon earth, which literally means killing whatever is in your nature that belongs to the earth! He goes on to list the things that our flesh loves, usually associated with moral impurity.
- Stop Ungracious, Rude Behavior (3:8)
Everything in this list is a heart issue, usually expressed in the way we treat others.
- Stop Lying! (3:9)
God is truth, and He wants His children to speak the truth (Ephesians 4:15).
- Start Doing Good Things (3:12)
Since we are being conformed to the image of God’s dear Son (Romans 8:29; Romans 12:1-2), Paul urges us to act accordingly. In dealing with others, be merciful, kind, humble, meek, patient and forgiving. Above all, demonstrate God’s sacrificial love which brings together all the other virtues and fills us with God’s perfect peace. And be thankful!
Had you asked me as a third grader to give myself a grade in Deportment, I probably would have claimed the perfect score because that is what I wanted my parents to think! Can we be honest enough with ourselves to consider what grade the Lord might give us for our “deportment” today?