Put to death therefore what is earthly in you…

Colossians 3:5

Put Off
Dusting Off the Ashes

We are all earthly, not surprising given that we were created from dust and to dust we will return. Just this alone does not sound encouraging, but being created in the image of God, a loving God who died for us − his creation − in order to restore our relationship to him, is what makes it so different and wonderful.

Is being “earthly” bad? Certainly not. From the dust God created our amazing bodies, the workings of which continue to astound and without which we would not be able to live and enjoy the wonders of God’s creation.

So, what must be put to death? Despite being made in the image of God, and with our relationship restored by the death of Jesus, enabling the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, our earthly human nature is still very much present.

How does the earthly nature manifest itself? For me the primary way is pride. 

I want things done my way, how I like it, and when I like it and I can easily feel offended and upset if I do not get my way.

How do we put the earthly to death? By acknowledging the lordship of Jesus − King of kings and Lord of lords − in our lives and taking time daily to seek him and his will for our lives, for our relationships, and for our life’s work.

The earthly in us will do everything possible to rob us of this precious time, but we each have the power to overcome and to choose life, seeking to emulate Jesus in all our thoughts and actions.

Even though we have failed, and will continue to fail in the future, our loving father never gives up and has assured us of his forgiveness and acceptance as we get up and start afresh day after day. What a God we serve!

Prayer: Lord, help us today to choose life and to seek your face and your will in all that we do. Thank you, Jesus, for your forgiveness past and future. Make us light and salt to all the people we have contact with today. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.