Let Jesus' Message into Your Heart

Colossians 3:1-5  
       

The Colossians were very concerned with ethical living. Their goal was to avoid fleshly indulgence. In part, their standards agreed with those of the Christian church. The problem was (and is,) that ethical living, akin to asceticism doesn't work because we lack the will power to resist sin. We must rely on something/someOne more powerful than ourselves.

Paul deliberately uses Gnostic terms (mysteries, knowledge, wisdom) to address the Colossians because they believed they had secret knowledge of God’s mysteries. Paul writes a mysterious and profound statement; “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3 

Mysteriously yet literally, we hide the Word in our hearts as a secret weapon to insulate and protect us from seduction of the world system. The word of God altars our understanding, renews our minds and changes our way of thinking. James 1:22-24 says the person who hears and doesn’t remember the word is like someone looking in a mirror then forgetting what they look like.

Father I thirst for your presence, let me come into your secret place, the place close to your heart. “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

There is a door to which you have the key, and you are the sole keeper. There is a latch no hand can lift but yours. No ruler, warrior, writer, thinker; but only you. Oh heart, hurry now and welcome your King to sit by the warmth of your fire. (Henri Nouwen)