”Some incredible ‘marching orders’”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Saturday, May 6, 2023
Colossians 3:12-17 (Forward, p. 8) CEV p. 1235
I have just watched the coronation of our new king, King Charles III, and in so doing, cannot but be impressed by the incredible and rather serious vows that he made on behalf of his church and people. One might well ‘write them off’ as a mere formality, as mere trappings of a ceremony that mean little in terms of everyday practice but knowing something of Charles I don’t think that this would have been the case. Like his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, attention to duty and to the welfare of his church and people is, I think, paramount in his thinking and action.
However, in some ways, all of this pales in comparison with the marching orders that the apostle Paul gives the church in today’s passage. What Paul has to say, however, doesn’t have so much to say about kingly duties, but about our duties as Christian believers, particularly in terms of our duties towards our fellow believers:
-we are to be gentle, kind, humble, meek and patient
-we are to ‘put up’ with each other
-we are to forgive anyone who does us wrong, just as Christ has forgiven us
-and, above all, most of all, we are to love each other, for it is love that binds us together as the Body of Christ
-we are to live in peace and in harmony with each other, for we are all part of the Body of Christ, the Church.
-and we should allow the peace of Christ, the peace that comes only from Him, rule our hearts and thoughts and motivations
-we are to live lives that are full of gratitude and thanksgiving, and we are to let His good news, His message, fill our entire beings
-we should use God’s wisdom to teach and instruct others, and should fill our lives with His praise and thanksgiving
-and, in conclusion, everything we say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, that is, in ways that are truly honouring to Him.
If King Charles’ duties were daunting and challenging, these are even more so. However, in Charles’ case, it was quite evident from the prayers that were uttered over him, that he was not expected to perform or carry out these duties on his own, but with the grace and power that come from Almighty God. And so it is with us: we cannot even hope to carry out this daunting and incredible ‘marching orders’ in our own steam, in our own strength and wisdom. Thank God that we have His promise of help, if only we will make use of it. Amen.
Forward notes: “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (verse 14).
“Before ordination, I spent too much time every morning finding a shirt and matching pants. That is one of many reasons I prefer to wear a black shirt and collar most days. It’s simple. It’s efficient. And it’s a choice I make every morning as I am starting my day.
“I think the writer of Colossians had this same idea in mind. Each day, we choose how and when to get dressed; this does not happen automatically without planning or effort on our part. This chapter includes three different instructions to clothe ourselves, and the parallels between our wardrobes and newness of life, compassion, and love are clear. They require intention, planning, and discipline. Despite our best efforts, we will sometimes forget something, just like I sometimes forget my belt or watch. And most of all, no matter what happens today, tomorrow we get another chance to clothe ourselves in love again.”
MOVING FORWARD: “Say a simple prayer for the grace to clothe yourself in newness of life, compassion, and love.”