October 7- Colossians

The past.  The recent past.  The not-so-recent past.  Sins committed.  Righteous acts omitted.  I lied.  I gossiped.  I lusted.  I hated.  I sinned.  The letters "ed" are added to verbs to change the tense from present to past.  Past.  Already taken place.  History.

We all know that is it impossible for us to change what has happened or what didn't happen.  Until someone modifies a DeLoren in a Michael J. Foxesque manner, the past is just that.  Past.  Why then do we continue to allow all the "ed" parts of our lives to adversely affect our todays?  (I am one of the best at that.)  


In Colossians 1:22, Paul reminds Christians that through his death we are "holy in his (God's) sight, without blemish and free from accusation"!  Not only are we pure, but there is not even an accusation leveled against us. Not for our committed sins, our omitted sins or even our future sins.  HOLY, PURE, FREE FROM ACCUSATION.  That truth alone should make each Christian on the earth smile a bit wider, walk a bit lighter and praise a bit louder.


What a powerful witnessing tool that truth from Colossians could be.  A coworker depressed because his actions led to a failed marriage.  A family member a master at self-flagellation because she didn't insist the family attend church and now the son is out of control.  If we are a child of God, none of this is held against.  "Holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. . .that is the us God sees if we have accepted his Son as Lord and Savior.  What a liberating truth that is.


Dear Father,
Please help me to fully grasp and rejoice in this truth.  All my "ed"s are not held against me.  In your sight I am holy and without blemish.  Not through my own actions, but through the sacrifice of your Son on the cross.  Thank you Lord Jesus.


P.S.  How would my family life be different if I tried to apply this truth to Kristi and Seth.  Do I hold their "ed"s against them?  How much of the past differences, hurts and arguments do I hold against them?  
Hmmm. . .