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.
Colossians 3:5-8
Kill It Dead
Daily Devotion – August 2, 2022
Devotion based on Colossians 3:5-8
See series: Devotions
Occasionally I will hear frightened screams coming from my little daughter’s room. Running in, I find the source of all the distress. My daughter implores me, “Daddy, it’s a bug! Kill it dead!” And there will be no rest nor sleep in my house until the offending spider, moth, or other creepy-crawly is squished and removed from her room.
When the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in the city of Colossi, he showed no mercy to our earthly natures. He had only one course of action for us: “Kill it dead.”
He knew how disgusting all the things of our sinful nature truly are. The anger and lies, sexual immorality and greed are nothing but revolting things. And it is because of these things that God’s wrath will return, and he will put an end to sin.
As we wait for his return, let us be disgusted by these sins in our lives. Let us kill these sins dead. May we strive to put them to death by confessing our sins and receiving the forgiveness God gives to us. May we strive to put them to death by fighting against temptation each day. May we continue to look to Jesus, who put to death all our sins by his death on the cross.
Our sinful nature will always be with us until God calls us home. But let’s kill those sins each day as we look to Jesus for forgiveness and strength to fight temptation.
Prayer:
Merciful Lord, thank you for the forgiveness you won for me. In that forgiveness, help me to struggle against my sinful natures and live only for you. Amen.
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