We’ve been working through the book of Colossians in the Rise Above the Chaos series. In Chapter 3 we looked at walking in new ways. God loves us for who we are, even with all of our mess, but He doesn’t want us to stay where we are. His ways lead to peace instead of chaos. We’re encouraged to let the word of Jesus dwell in us as we set our hearts and minds on things above. As He dwells in us, we are called to clothe our lives with God’s ways of love.

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We seem some similar thoughts in Galatians 5:

16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality,impurity and debauchery;
20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful naturewith its passions and desires.
25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

In verses 16-17 it talks about the conflict of our old ways verse God’s ways. It’s like peace instead of chaos.
Remember this as you read verse 19-23. God’s ways aren’t about some religious do’s and do nots. It God’s desire for us to live our best life and not get caught up in the chaos.
In verse 22-23, we see great things like love, joy, peace. Those characteristics come from a life connected with God. It’s the fruit that is harvested from setting our hearts and minds on things above.
In verse 25-26, don't just live for yourself. Our old way provokes chaos. Keep taking your next step with God and keep your mind and heart set on Him.

So what’s your next step to being more consistent in your heart and mind as you make Jesus the center of every aspect of your life?

Here’s a few helpful resources and thoughts….

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