Modify your behavior

Bible Thought: "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant." (Colossians 1:21-23, NIV)

Do all things without complaining or arguing. This is one of my favorite scriptures because it is completely non-interpretive. I try to change my behavior by following the scripture in my daily living. Do the dishes without grumbling. Talk to my children without arguing. Drive the car without complaining. Live with my spouse without arguing. Care for the sick without complaining. I then become aware of how much I need God.

When God asks me to modify my behavior, He also makes it possible. He does this in two ways. The first is by washing me with the blood of Jesus. The second is with the Holy Spirit living within me. As I am made clean with the blood of Jesus, I am forgiven when I fail to do everything without complaining. The Holy Spirit then reminds me that God’s love is not taken away when I do fail. I know I can then "continue in my faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel."

Father, Thank you for the forgiveness and hope we have in Jesus from you. In Jesus, Amen.