Understanding God's Mind - Part 2: Put Out, Put On

Our post today is written by Edward Owusu, National Director of ECM-Ghana.  Read last week's post for part one.

It is in the D.N.A of God always to present His best in all things. God gave his best gift to mankind in the form of his son Jesus Christ to the world. That whosoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.The best gift of life- life unending filled with peace, joy and above all love.

As stewards of the heavenly calling we need to be found FAITHFUL. In Col.2:12-13. it says "Buried with Christ in Baptism and raised with him through our faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. In vs.16 it says "therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat,drink or with regard to a religious festival, a new moon celebration or a sabbath day. Matt.7:1.  Admitting who we are , having been raised with Christ, we need to set our hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Our mind should be set on things above not earthly things. We have to put to death whatever belong to our earthly nature:- sexual immorality,impurity, lust, evil desires and greed.

These are the things that invite the wrath of God. We also need to rid ourselves of all such things as these anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from our lips. We do not have to lie to each other. If we put off the old nature ,then we need to PUT ON the new nature or self which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator. Christ is all and is in all. As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, we need to cloth ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We have to bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances we have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave us.

In addition to these virtues put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity.

After achieving these our focus then has to be raised with Christ. Set our mind and heart on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. We should let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, since as members of one body we were called to peace, and thankful.

The word  of Christ should dwell in us richly as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom. As we sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with  gratitude in our hearts to God. Col.3:17 "Whatever we do, whether in word or deed, we should do it all in the Name of  the Lord JESUS CHRIST, giving thanks to God the Father through him. We need to be wise in the way we act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity. Let our conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt; so that we may know how to answer everyone.

Finally, we need to devote ourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful to God. Heb.12:1 "We should let brotherly love continue and do not forget to entertain strangers."