1. CHOOSE GOD’S WORD

To choose God’s word to govern our lives is to let the word of Christ “richly dwell” in us (Colossians 3:16). This conveys the idea of “home” — is God’s Word at home in your life? Is it central in our lives? God’s word will teach and guide us in the choices we make. What governs your life? How do you make decisions about who to marry, what work to pursue, etc.? If you are not filled with the word of God, how can He guide you? We are to meditate on God’s word (Joshua 1:8) so we may obey all that is written in it. Our motivation is God’s blessings to those who make His Word central in their lives. Material prosperity may not necessarily be part of a blessed life, riches do not result in a happy family life, etc. But we are to treasure God’s word in our hearts that we may live out God’s best for our lives (Psalms 119:9-11). To treasure God’s word in our hearts, we have to memorize Scriptures! The word of God and the Spirit of God have the same impact on a believer’s life (Colossians 3:16-4:1, Ephesians 5:18-20-6:9). The test of spirituality is Christlikeness; how you impact your intimate, personal relationships. If Christianity does not work at home, no love or forgiveness in your family, how can we “export” Christianity to the world?

2. CHOOSE GOD’S WAYS

Many of us live lives based on our own choices, but we are not free to choose the consequences of those choices (Proverbs 14:12). God without man is still God, man without God cannot live. Like fish choosing to live out of the water; this is the myth of “freedom”. It takes humility to listen to the word of God. You represent Jesus so make sure that you please Him in whatever you do (Colossians 3:17). Always evaluate if your decisions in life will bring glory to God. Wives are commanded to submit to their husbands (Colossians 3:18-19, 1 Peter 3:1-2). This does not mean that you may not appeal your husband’s decision and respectfully offer your opinion. But it’s God’s design that the best way for a family to function best is for this order (functional roles) to exist between family members. God has chosen husbands to be the leaders in the home, so wives, we need to commit to submit! Submission is not a question of superiority or inferiority; it’s following God’s order and design for His best for our lives. Husbands are commanded to love their wives (Colossians 3:19); the Greek word for “love” used here is “agape”, (unconditional, sacrificial love); the standard is Christ’s love for the church (Ephesians 5:25). Be willing to sacrifice and choose what is best for her, not what’s best for you! 

Children are to obey and honor their parents (Colossians 3:20-21).The only exception is if they ask you to do something clearly against God’s will.

 There is a blessing attached to this command (Ephesians 6:1-3). Children who still live with their parents are to “obey”. Adult children who are married or living on their own are to continually “honor” their parents. When we submit to authority, we remain under the umbrella of God’s protection! If you stay under God’s guidance, you will be protected. God can override those mistakes our parents make, and He will use their decisions to guide us. In Paul’s time, fathers had absolute authority over their children’s lives under Roman law. But God changed this system, parents are commanded not to “exasperate” their children, but to teach them God’s ways (Colossians 3:21, Ephesians 6:4). When you are not consistent at home in living out God’s ways, your children will be exasperated and provoked to anger.

Slaves were commanded to obey their masters (Colossians 3:22-23). Almost one-third of the Roman world were slaves; today by God’s grace, we no longer work as slaves, but we apply this command as employees. Don’t work because someone (your boss) is watching you! Our motivation is the reward from the Lord. Some of our bosses are not always fair but work with your heart. God will take care of you, so make sure you do your best because you are serving the Lord (Colossians 3:24-25). Managers and business owners, you are commanded to be fair and just to your employees (Colossians 4:1).

3. CHOOSE GOD’S WEAPON

We are commanded to devote ourselves to prayer (to keep on praying) (Colossians 4:2-4). Remember, the Christian life is not just hard… it’s impossible apart from the Lord. Pray for whatever is outside of your control. Like the apostle Paul, he asked the Colossians to pray for his imprisonment (out of his control). What’s surprising though is how he did not ask them to pray for his release, but for the opportunity to share the gospel while in prison! When we pray, we are to do our part…we are to take every opportunity to share the gospel—our main task (Colossians 4:5-6). 

Your effectiveness can only be realized if you devote yourself to prayer. “Prayer is the Christian’s greatest weapon” (Billy Graham); We are in a spiritual warfare, what you can’t do, God can! God’s way is the prayers of His people—He has chosen to partner with us! Let us “buy back the time” by sharing the gospel and pray always that we will know the best approach to do so for different kinds of people we encounter each day.