However, suddenly the focus for response was no longer on the writer, Paul, but firmly on me. Is my true identity to be found in Christ? Does Christ shape how I see myself, my circumstances, my purpose in life and my reaction to suffering?
The study guide then qualified the question by asking me to say what others would add on my behalf; “For Violet to live is ________?” My mind raced through the likely perceptions of others: my immediate family, friends, other Christians, local neighbours. Do I reflect Christ’s character? Is Christ “exalted in my body” (Philippians 1:20 NASB)? Perhaps, like many other females, I constantly seek the validation and approval of others. This can become more important than what God thinks. The need to fit in with friends and colleagues can lead to compromise and a neglect of my faith. It can become more about my reputation.
The phrase “For me to live is Christ” signifies a life wholly devoted to Jesus, where Christ is the source of joy, purpose and meaning. Certainly I am assured by verses such as Colossians 1:27: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” and Galatians 2:20 (NASB): “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Christ certainly does feature in my life, plans and ambitions. However, the challenge of “For me to live is ______” heightened my awareness of the fact that Christ is often displaced by materialism and my own agenda.
I continued this train of thought by delving into Colossians chapter 3. There, it all starts with my mindset and heart affections: “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1,2 NASB). I am both encouraged and commanded to focus my thinking “on things above, where Christ is” and away from earthly matters. The outcome of the battle for my heart and mind is primary and this input will drive all the outcomes in my character and actions.
In Colossians 3:5-13, I am required to be ruthless in killing the things associated with my earthly mindset. However, whilst good, this is not in itself sufficient. If this is all I do, there will be a vacuum. I am required to put on the new self and the “clothes” associated with my new life in Christ Jesus. I admit to having a strong attraction to new clothes but, as I put on the “Christ life”, I will begin to wear the more beautiful clothing of compassion, humility, kindness, forgiveness and love.
Verses 14-17 encourage me to allow the peace of God to rule in my heart and to be thankful. I am commanded to let the word of Christ live in me richly and to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.
These new clothes are not just a “church uniform” or “Sunday best”. Rather, they are for my entire day-to-day life. It is then, in Colossians 3:18-4:1, that in my marriage, family, employment and social settings I can aspire to fill in the blank: “For me to live is Christ”. With regard to living this out to its full extent, I am still a work in progress!
