When we follow Jesus, we are made new, but the process of being renewed takes time. We have to choose to put off the old self and put on the new self. This is a daily resurrender process that gets easier as you continue in the sanctification process. This process of putting off the old and putting on the new is the main meaning of the first part of Colossians 3.

Colossians 3:1-2 – Focus on Christ, Not The World

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:1-2 

In Colossians 3:1-2, Paul outlines an if-then statement. If you have been raised with Christ, then you should seek the things above and not things of the earth. This is similar to what Jesus says in Matthew 6:33. We are easily distracted by the things of this world, but Paul challenges us if we are truly following Jesus to evaluate where our focus is.

What Are the Things Above in Colossians 3?

Seeking the things above means to focus on heavenly things, not worldly things. What is most important to you and what shapes your thinking? 

• Your time with Jesus or time with friends? 
• The Bible and prayer or hobbies?
• What God says of you or what others think of you?
• The pursuit of righteousness or sinful pleasures?

Not that all of those are bad (some are), but what are you focusing on, and what has the biggest influence on your thinking? We can’t avoid being in the world, but we can avoid being shaped into the image of it. (Romans 12:2 & 2 Corinthians 3:18). For the activities in your life that aren’t sinful, how can you participate while having your mind set on heavenly things to seek first the kingdom? Then, for the sinful activities and thoughts, seeking the things above would mean putting those sinful activities to death, so you can live out of the new self instead of the old.

Related Article: Importance of Priorities During Life Change for Christians

What Are the Things That Are on Earth in Colossians 3?

Living in the new life you can have in Christ is choosing not to do things you used to do that hurt yourself or others. In Colossians 3:5-9, Paul gives the following examples of earthly things we need to put off: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, covetousness, anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk, and lying. When you live out of your old self, you can’t help but do these things since your flesh is stronger than your willpower to do what is right, but when you are made new, the Holy Spirit is significantly stronger than your flesh. You just have to choose to put on your new self. Which Paul tells us about in verse 10.

Related Article: Getting to the Root of Sin as a Christian

Colossians 3:10 – Put Off The Old & Put On The New

“You have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” – Colossians 3:10

Paul also knows this will take practice, and God will help us as he makes us new. This is why he said “being renewed” and not “has been renewed”. This is the sanctification process which is to be conformed to the image of Christ.

A practical step to put off your old self is when you realize you are making a choice or have a thought that is from your old self. Stop right in that moment and pray to ask God to make you new in that area and to help you focus on Jesus over the world.

One of the ways we often live out of our old selves is by putting our significance in a group we belong to or in people pleasing. In verse 11, Paul says, “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” He lists a couple of main groups of people, but he says all that doesn’t matter when you are in Christ. Since when are we in Christ, we are all one body. As a result, we should always think about how we can include others instead of being exclusive. There should be no cliques in the kingdom.

Colossians 3:12-15 – What Are the Characteristics of Being Made New in Christ?

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:12-15

This helps us see what it actually looks like to put on the new self. When he says “put on” I want you to think about it like you put on clothing (Romans 13:14). It is a choice you make every morning about what you are going to wear, and people can see that choice and are affected by that choice to an extent. The same is true here; you need to choose to put on “compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, peace, and love,” and when you do, it affects how people see you. It helps them see what Jesus is like instead of what the world is like. This is a great way to point others to God by showing them how Jesus cares for them.

Jesus also speaks about this in Matthew 7:15-20 as He points out the importance of seeing fruit in true believers. As you are made new, you should see fruit in your life as a sign of what God is doing in you.

Meekness is one of those words you may not be as familiar with. Biblically, this means strength under control. Like you have the power to do what you want, but you choose to serve others and do what is best for the group.

Love is Above All Other Good Things

Paul says, “above all these put on love”, so love must be very important if he says above all these other good things put on love. Love is more than the romantic love we usually think about. “Biblical love is a sacrificial, unconditional, and selfless way of acting that prioritizes the well-being of others, rather than a mere emotion.” – Community Bible Study. This is how Jesus cares for us and how He calls us to care for others. 

So instead of putting on the ways of this world, put on love because it holds everything together. 

Fighting Anxiousness by Letting the Peace of Christ Rule

When we feel anxious, it is often related to not feeling that we are enough for the challenge or decision we have in front of us. By ourselves, we have limited power and wisdom, but as a Christian, you are not alone, and you shouldn’t do it on your own. Instead of trying to rule your heart, you should “let the peace of Christ rule in your heart” (Colossians 3:15). When you feel anxious, it is usually because you are trying to rule your life with your own power instead of living life out of the new self God offers to you. Next time you feel anxious, pray and God to “let the peace of Christ rule your heart”. This is a process of submission to God’s rule, will, and wisdom. Remember his yoke is easy and his burden is light, Matthew 11:28-30.

Related Article: What Does Rest Look Like for a Christian?

Colossians 3:17 – New Self Always, Not Just When You Feel Like It

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17

When we put on our new selves, we should leave them on. Don’t put it on in your morning time with God, then as soon as you get to work or school and take it off, cause you want to fit in. Instead, remember you are choosing to invite God into whatever you do and whatever you say and seek to honor him.