Colossians 3:12-13

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.

The was a lot of controversy and conversation a few years back about professional athletes “taking a knee” while the National Anthem was being played prior to a sporting event. Is it a matter of free speech? Some focus on the patriotic angle while others consider the public relations impact. I chose to focus on a different aspect when I discussed this “hot topic” on my radio show—the matter of representation. The players represent their team—and the team’s owner—and because of that relationship (both legally and ethically) they can’t conduct themselves in public and especially “at work” without taking that into account.

The same principle applies to us as Christians.

God has chosen you to be on his “team.” As a result, you are holy and beloved, meaning you have been set apart from the world and its system and you are unconditionally loved. So…what do you do with that? What impact should that have on your behavior? If you are a professional athlete, you would look to the “Morals Clause” in your contract. As a Christian, you could look to Colossians 3:12-17.

When you read today’s verses, would you be comfortable applying them to yourself as an accurate description of your Christian character? Compassionate. Kind. Humble. Meek. Patient. Forbearing. Forgiving. Each word is deep in meaning and powerful in effect and accurately reflects the character of our Team Owner. They should reflect ours, as well—in increasing measure over time—as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit as he works to bring us to maturity.

He was a remarkable person. Author of 150 books, Toyohiko Kagawa was a teacher, a poet, a philosopher, a scientist, and an evangelist. He wrote on various subjects ranging from scientific studies to theological issues. During World War II, he was imprisoned for his pacifistic views. But he never ceased to love and serve God. Often, he repeated these 3 prayers:

“Father, forgive.”

“God, let me live to serve.”

“O God, make me like Christ.”

 May the Lord help each one of us display these spiritual dynamics…a truly Christian lifestyle.

Amen.