TRANSFORMING COMMITMENTS: REALIGN

One of the deepest and abiding questions in our lives is what will transform us?  All of us at times capture a vision that is so compelling and inspiring that we long to experience it.  It may be a political vision, a dream for our future, or a business plan.  Regardless of the path, it expresses our desire to be different, or be better, or to overcome the obstacles because we can see a better life, future, or hope than our current circumstances have to offer.  Unfortunately, the path to transformation is often filled with disappointment, disillusionment, and despair.  Some of the anger and frustration of our lives can be traced to the broken promises, unfulfilled commitments, and failed efforts to be different.  We are tempted to throw our hands up in disgust or let them hang limp by our sides in despair.  We are either angry or apathic, yet we still long for a transforming hope for our lives.  Our sermons series is Transforming Commitments, it is intended to communicate one simple lesson that when we live out of God’s commitment we will be transformed powerfully and positively.  Our transforming commitment this week is Realign.  Our scripture this week is Colossians 3:8-17.  Paul is writing to this church that is struggling to find the path to transformation.  They are believers but they are struggling with being free of their broken, destructive ways.   Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul points them to the path to realign their lives through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.  We too struggle to be free of our broken, destructive ways, and the path Paul shares with the Colossians can also help us to find this power at work in our lives!  It is our most earnest prayer that you will capture a new vision, an enduring hope, and a sense of new life being resurrected in your spirit as you read Colossians 3:8-17: But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  (NIV)