Putting on the Image of Christ

When a company is purchased and comes under new ownership, it changes over into its new image, taking on the signage, policies and culture to that of the new corporation. Because our true image is now in Christ and not in our old life, we begin to apply this same principle into our whole lives. Step by step we put on the new nature found in Christ while putting to death the old sinful nature:

“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.” Colossians 3:5-7.

Sexual sins, both of the body (outwardly) and of the mind (inwardly), can become compulsive and dangerous.  Some listed here are unlawful such as prostitution, adultery, incest, and others. Paul includes impurity or uncleanliness, referring a state of moral corruption. Lust and evil desires never satisfy the void. Greed is the sin of covetousness, the inappropriate desire for more. Whatever we put a higher priority on before God, including sex, wealth, power and control or anything else, it becomes a false god to us. These sins belong to our former image not our new image found in Christ.

Paul’s instructions here are basic and straight forward. He is setting the standard for churches to hold for its members. His message was primarily directed to a culture in a Gentile church that didn't have much concept of sin at all. Paul’s message runs directly against today’s culture, which says that sex between consenting adults outside of marriage is okay. God commanded us, "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28), given in an arena in which we can exercise our sexuality freely in the bonds of marriage. We are to put to death in us, the permission to exercise our sexuality outside God’s design for physical intimacy. Ultimately, everything belongs to God. When a person becomes a follower of Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to occupy their entire being:

“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.

Paul then moves to another self-control issue as it relates to anger and the resulting damage it causes through one’s speech and attitudes. Theses destructive patterns and behaviors are relationship killers: "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips" Colossians 3:8.

Anger is a God-given emotion that responds to either a real or perceived injustice.  Anger, in and of itself, is not sin. However, when we refuse to let go of it, anger sours and turns into bitterness. Anger, when aggression is openly expressed, reacts, flares up, slips out of control, becomes loud, and perhaps even violent. Passive aggressive anger is a hidden or indirect type of anger like gossip. It undermines others secretly in a sneaky way, as it hides its aggression while planning to harm the other person. Aggression involves trying to control what is not yours to control, which leads to losing control. Regardless of the style, if not handled with care, anger has consequences: “He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool” Proverbs 10:18.

There is a healthy manner in which to effectively manage anger. The Bible commands “love thy neighbor” and “pray for your enemy”. “Assertiveness” is responsive rather than practicing aggression. Assertiveness is “other-focused” rather than “self-focused”. Assertiveness has the “best interest” of the other person. Aggression involves usurping territory by violating boundaries. Assertiveness involves sharing territory by drawing clear and fair boundaries. Aggression seeks to take rights away. Assertiveness seeks equal rights.

The overall health of all involved thrives, when we practice self-care and the care of others. We need the transforming power of the Holy Spirit that produces self-control and gentleness in us: “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control” Proverbs 29:11. We need help to let go of our anger so it doesn't poison our relationships and ruin our lives. While pride destroys self and others, humility serves and builds: “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel” Proverbs 15:18.

Anger and speech are closely connected. Slander is speech that disrespects. Slander and gossip when not dealt with, results in the destruction of relationships: “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin” Proverbs 13:3. Slander is speaking false charges or misrepresentations which defame and damage another's reputation. Libel is similar to slander in that it conveys an unfavorable impression but in written form. Gossip is a rumor or report of an intimate nature that his harmful to all: “A false witness will not go unpunished and he who pours out lies will not go free” Proverbs 19:5.

Filthy language is shameful and abusive speech of a kind that is generally considered in poor taste and obscene. It’s not always the actual words itself; it’s also how it is said. When we allow our speech to get away from us, we should stop and ask God for His forgiveness and for His help. We may slip occasionally, but it should not be our normal manner of expression. Our vocabulary and tone needs to be cleansed so that it reflects well on our Lord: “The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment” Proverbs 10:21.

Next, Paul touches a problem that afflicts us Christians far too often: Lying. It’s common for people to only say the parts of the truth that they feel are acceptable or that they think people want to hear, leaving the full truth hidden away or distorted. They may lie by omission or tell “little white lies” that paint a very different picture of reality. It’s no surprise that these lies don’t just hurt relationships, they can outright destroy them. Even lies told in the name of protecting others can leave you feeling guilty or shameful, because you don’t feel like an authentic, strong individual when you aren’t being completely honest.

“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.” Colossians 3:9-10.

Lying is to tell a falsehood. What makes lying wrong? Satan is known as "the father of lies" (John 8:44). Our God, on the other hand, is a God of truth. Our faith in God is based on us trusting him completely. Lying is utterly contrary to God's nature. And we have "taken off" our old self with its evil practices and are being renewed in God's image.

Trust builds community, marriages and relationships. Lying, by its very nature, undermines and destroys marriages, relationships and the greater community. At times there may be special circumstances like not telling your wife or girlfriend that she needs to lose weight. But Paul is not speaking of the exceptions, but of the practice of truthful speech in contrast to angry, slanderous, abusive speech.

We are to put on the new self, being renewed. We find other places in the bible following this same principle. Paul's analogy is taking off and putting on clothing. In Christ we have changed garments: “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” Romans 13:14.  But the change is not just external, but internal, in our spirit and in our character. No, it is not instantaneous. We are "being renewed," that is, literally, "made new again." Praise God He is so patient with us. This is the process of sanctification. We see several other uses of the word in Paul's letters: "Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16b. "He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." Titus 3:5b. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind" Romans 12:2b.

We are to obviously cooperate in the process of renewal, and not be rebellious. But ultimately it is God's work in us, the fruit of the Holy Spirit of God. The renewal involves our mind, as we take hold of and internalize God's truths. We have to get into God’s Word, learn what it says and then daily, live it out.

“Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is, and is in all” Colossians 3:11:

The goal is far beyond ourselves; it is to restore God's image in us that has been damaged and fallen through sin. God wants to renew us all the way back to his original creation: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27. In a number of passages in the Bible, we see our final destiny to be found as restored to our original perfect state in the Garden of God: Luke 23:43 and 2 Corinthians 12:4, where "Paradise" means "garden". What are you doing that furthers the process of renewal in your heart? What are you doing that hinders that process of renewal?