(REFLECTIONS ON Colossians 3:18-25)

Paul begins Colossians 3 speaking about the new self in Christ Jesus. In Colossians 3:1–2, Paul writes:

“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.”

Paul continues in today’s Scripture from the perspective of the new self in Christ Jesus, being raised up with Christ, seeking the things above, and not the things that are on earth. As we read today’s Scripture, let us do so while living in new life with Christ, rather than through the lens of the old self, which is focused on earthly things.

Although we see Paul referring to family relationships between wives, husbands, and children, Paul also talks about the relationship between slaves and masters. If we keep our eyes on the things that are on earth, then perhaps we will quickly feel uncomfortable or even offended by the word “subject” in relation to wives and husbands.

Children perhaps will also not like the word “obedient” that appears, and we may question whether Paul is supporting slavery by calling for slaves to “obey” their earthly masters.

However, if we are raised up with Christ, seeking the things above and not the things that are on earth, does this change our perspective on what this section of Scripture says to us? Rather than focusing only on wives being subject to their husbands, do we also read, “as is fitting in the Lord”?

Do we see husbands being called to love their wives? Rather than focusing only on obedience for children, do we also see, “for this is well-pleasing to the Lord”? Regarding slaves, do we see “sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord,” “as for the Lord,” and “it is the Lord Christ whom you serve”?

In a recent sermon on the union between the spiritual and physical realms, I touched on the topic of our faith needing not only to remain spiritual in thought, but also to have practical impact on our lives in the physical world. That union can only happen in Christ, and in Christ alone.

In Christ, our faith is free from being only spiritual, but can also become practical and lived out physically, and that is when we will find true peace and wholeness in our relationship with God.

As Christians, our faith needs not only to repair and restore our relationship with our Creator, but also our human relationships with one another, with our spouses, children, bosses, and others around us.

Our faith is not very practical if it only traps us in our minds and causes us to avoid what is going on around us. Rather, it should impact our daily lives and bring healing to families, working relationships, and the relationships of the world.

However, the key is not to try to bridge the gap or mend wounds by ourselves, but to recognize that this union can only be found in Christ. That is why reading today’s Scripture should lead us to pray even more fervently, with greater faith and expectation, that Christ may bring us and those in our lives into union with one another in Him.

Wholeness and peace in our worldly relationships can only happen in Christ Jesus, and it cannot happen if this bond with Christ is only one-sided. That is why we need to pray, believe in the power of prayer, and seek not only the healing of our relationships, but also that those we care about may enter into relationship with Christ, so that we may learn to love one another, live humbly toward one another, and walk in faithful obedience to Christ within our relationships.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Colossians 3