Know Your Role
The role that I am in has a profound affect on how I live. The life of a doctor should and does look profoundly different than the life of a mechanic. They study different things. They have different qualifications and skills. Their role or status requires them to be and do certain things.
Likewise, in our lives as believers, our standing or position as followers of Christ should prompt us to behave and live in a certain way. The apostle Paul challenges us about this in Colossians 3. As he starts the chapter, Paul reminds the believers at Corinth of the focus of their role.
First, we as believers must have an eternal focus. Paul states this by using a rhetorical question, “If ye then be risen in Christ, seek those things that are above.” It is a normal recognition that those who are believers have an eternal outlook. To have any other focus is the antithesis of fulfilling our role. Our eternal outlook provides the foundation for how we live in our role.
Second, as believers to accomplish our role, we must crucify our flesh. In other words, put to death the former ways that we lived within. Why? Because our role has changed. Instead of living for self which is accomplished in the flesh, we are now living for eternity and the glory of God. Therefore, our flesh must be destroyed. Paul uses a bold term here for this action - “Mortify.” This communicates an intentional removal and destruction of our desires to be replaced by Christ’s.
Third, to fulfill our role, we must live in the Spirit allowing the fruit of God to be produced within our lives. Why do we do this? Well, as in every role of life, there are specific goals and achievements that we are trying to reach. Whether it is a degree, a position, or a qualification, there are always goals that we pursue in our roles. As a believer, in my role, the goal is to be like Christ, to be changed into His image. Why? So we properly fulfill the role of an obedient servant of Christ so that God is glorified and the Gospel can go forward through our life.
So, how are you doing in the role that you are in? Are you an example of the fruit of the Spirit being created in the life of someone submitted to God, or are you an example of the flesh, left unchecked, ruining your fulfillment of the great role Christ has given to you as His follower?
Sincerely,
Pastor Derek Whitman