Transformation Series Episode 6

Transformation Series Episode 6

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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. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Hello, my walking friend! The first step toward real transformation is desire – the desire to make a change. The next step is action. Good for you that you have identified the need for more Jesus in your life and a little more exercise and you have taken these 10 minutes to walk with your Savior! Yay you!

Today is the 6^th episode in the transformation series and our verse to meditate on is Colossians 3:1-4:

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. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

There seems to be a theme with this whole transformation process, doesn’t there? It seems that the new life, the transformed life, is one that prioritizes heavenly things over earthly ones. That’s why, if our focus is on Jesus and walking with Jesus, it is hard to talk about transforming our bank accounts, or our social status, or our physical attractiveness. All of those things will one day go away. Some quicker than others, if you know what I mean! But treasures stored in heaven will go on for eternity. Our souls will go on for eternity. Our relationship with Jesus will last for eternity. 

It isn’t that Jesus doesn’t want to take care of our earthly lives or that he doesn’t want us to have healthy finances, friendships, and physical bodies – but that isn’t his priority. And it shouldn’t be ours. We should first seek the kingdom of heaven. But if we continue reading Colossians chapter three, you will see that there is much wisdom about how we can live a transformed life here on earth. Listen to Colossians 3:5-14:

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Now those are some very practical steps you can take to live a transformed life here while keeping your focus on heaven! 

Take a little time now to meditate on Colossians 3:1-4:

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. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards, and transformation, that come from developing this discipline is great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions that will guide you in the process of reflection. 

There is a saying that some Christians are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. What do you think that means? In what ways can you be more heavenly minded while still doing earthly good? 

The next part of Colossians chapter three gives us some solid action steps to help transform us into more Godly people: turn away from sexual immorality, greed, lying, slander, filthy language. Forgive and don’t hold grudges. Is Jesus calling you to an action step in any of these areas? Consider your answer.

Because of Jesus, you are God’s child and you are holy and loved. Take some time to think about how that knowledge makes you feel. Remember to thank Jesus for his incredible blessings. 

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time:

Colossians 3:1-4:

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. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Anything going on in your life? Remember he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to him now.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for the promise of transformation. Thank you for giving us new life and the chance to live as holy and loved people. Help us to love others as you love us. Help us to put off the old self and turn, no to flee, from temptation. When we are tempted to satisfy our fleshly desires, put our thoughts toward heaven and the glories that await us there. Remind us how temporary this earthly life is and how far superior our heavenly life will be. Empower us, dear Jesus, to live for you. Amen.

Well, my walking friend, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with Jesus, who has called you holy and loved. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today. 

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkWithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description.

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend, as we continue our process of transformation. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.