“When the Christ which is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed as the Christ in glory. . . . Be truthful with one another since you have removed your old self and put on your new self, which appears as you grow in understanding of your Creator.”
Colossians 3:4, 9-10
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This passage from the Apostle Paul is usually titled “Putting on the New Self.”
- The word Christ derives from the Hebrew mashiach, meaning messiah and the Greek khristos, meaning anointed.
- Many cultures believe in anointed and/or messianic people who are wayshowers on the journey of life. These enlightened people usually express the greatest consciousness and connection with God, beloved creator of all things.
- Rather than think of Christ as only one person, think of it as a fundamental source or absolute essence.
- Rather than think of Jesus as the great exception, the only one who could be anointed, think of him as a great example of an enlightened master who taught us how to live in the world and know our oneness with God. Jesus’s teachings urge us to discover and express our Christ presence, our true nature. If in doubt, note that Jesus teaches in John 14:12: “All these things and greater ones shall you do.”
- Mary-Alice and Richard Jafolla, authors of Adventures of the Quest offer this encouragement: “The fact that one human being, Jesus, found oneness with God should give you confidence that you, too, will find it.”
Contemplation Questions:
Ask yourself:
- When I consider my life now, which aspects or qualities, if any, am I ready to remove?
- List, word map, or illustrate all which apply. Think of these honestly, without judgment or shame, as qualities or characteristics of yourself. They may include anything from being impatient, to acquiescent, to stingy. If it helps, imagine them like an old, shabby coat which no longer fits you.
- When I consider my life now, which aspects or qualities, if any, am I ready to put on?
- List, word map, or illustrate all which apply. Think of these honestly, without judgment or pride, as qualities or characteristics of yourself. They may include anything from being understanding, to straightforward, to generous. If it helps, imagine them like a beautiful, comfortable coat you love wearing because it fits you perfectly.
- When I think about the Christ as the absolute essence of who I am, how do I feel about that?
- List, word map, or illustrate all your feelings honestly.
- When I think about the Christ as the absolute essence of who I am, which qualities or characteristics do I want to share with others in the world as part of my life’s mission or purpose?
- List, word map, or illustrate all the qualities or characteristics which apply.
- List, word map, or illustrate the particular people and/or organizations who will be healed, supported, and/or uplifted by what you do.
- What are at least three (3) steps I am willing to take to put on my new self?
- List, word map, or illustrate as many steps as you can imagine.
- Start a timeline with mile-markers so you can celebrate your progress as it unfolds.
Take your time with this devotional. Know that as you have faith in God and in yourself, you are revealing more of your new self. Also, be assured that you are a divine, beloved child of God, and your divinity, like Jesus’s, is how you express the Christ of your being, the absolute essence of God you are.
© 2021 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
Recent Comments