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This part of Paul's letter to believers in Colosse is one of those that encourages and discourages at the same time. It encourages us because it is a picture of being a Christian that really inspires us. It speaks of leaving behind old ways, "anger, malice, slander and filthy language, impurity, lust, greed etc." and filling our lives with good things, "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, etc."

It is discouraging because we are like the man who prays, "Lord, I thank you that I have not had to struggle today with the temptations men and women are so easily prey to. But I'm going to get out of bed in a minute and I just know its going to be hard to keep this up." How often have we set out with the best of intentions only to find that life's circumstances, other people, as well as our own weakness simply spoils our attempts before we begin? Is there some secret to living the triumphant Christian life? Could there be some secret formula or some mysterious prayer or incantation that will set us on the royal road to victory over life?

Lets take a quick tour of a few key verses throughout the letter and consider for a moment the wonderful news this gospel is to those who believe.

1:12-13 - God has rescued us from darkness and qualified us for the kingdom.

1:21-22 - We were once aliens, but are now reconciled to God by Christ.

2:10 - We have been given fullness in Christ.

2:20 - We have died to this world.

3:1 - We have been raised with Christ.

A key verse is:

"Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 'Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!'?" (2:20-21)

The worldly believer thinks in terms of regulations designed to hem us in and protect us. We are all capable of, in our own minds, seeing what we do as the key to how we progress. Now conduct and behaviour are important, and habits and discipline can be a positive help. But, like the rules the Pharisees built around the Law of Moses, these on their own don't work but simply add burdens to our lives. We end up watching ourselves and others instead of keeping our eyes where they should be.

The answer is in verses 1 and 2 , "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above not on earthly things."

Paul's argument is simple but powerful. Since we are dead to the ways of this world, which says conduct defines us, we should set our hearts and minds on things above, because it is thought that defines us and we are to be "transformed by the renewing of our minds" (Ro.12:2).

If we, "as God's chosen people, holy (set apart) and dearly loved" are to "let the piece of Christ rule in our hearts", perhaps a good place to start would be to:

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (3:15-16)

This week may the word of Christ, indeed, dwell in you richly and the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. May your thoughts turn to him often, and may they be worth far more than a penny. May they prove priceless as they draw you closer to him.

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