Let’s take a look at what Paul was leading up to by saying this. If you then, are risen with Christ, desire the things that are above (heavenly), where Christ sits at the right hand of God. Set your affection (¬ great terminology by Paul) on things above, not on things on the earth, because you (your mortal self) are dead and your life (your spiritual self) is hidden with Christ in God.

          When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then you will also appear with Him in glory. So deaden your bodies which are upon the earth, from fornication, uncleanness, excessive emotion (uncontrolled passion), evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is experienced by the children of disobedience, in which you also walked at one time, when you practiced them.

          But now, rid yourself of these also; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Don’t lie to one another, being that you have changed from the old you and your old deeds, and you’ve become a new person, renewed in knowledge after the image of God, where there is neither Gentile or Jewish, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, imprisoned or free, but Christ is all, and in all.

          Therefore live as the chosen of God, holy and beloved, with merciful hearts, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another and forgiving one another. If anyone has a complaint against another, just as Christ forgave you, do the same. And above all these things, put on love, which is the bond of unity. (Love keeps things (people) together.) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, which you are called to do, in one body (together), and be thankful.

          Let the Word of Christ live in you fully, in all wisdom, teaching and advising one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with Grace in your hearts to the Lord.

          Lucky for you, I can’t sing to you through the computer, however, I hope you’ll take this advice. The Christian music selection available today is probably one of the most effective ways there is to

           Christian music isn’t just psalms and hymns anymore. There’s Christian rock, easy listening, ballads, rap, contemporary, pop, you name it. Some songs will make you laugh, some will make you cry, some will make you think, smile . . . It’s just a whole different dimension of Christianity that you may find enhances your spiritual experience and can help enrich your faith. I hate to sound like a commercial, but tune your car radio in to your local Christian radio station for a week. Do the same with your home stereo and see what you’ve been missing. You can even choose a group of songs from the CD Player at Christianity Oasis and listen while you read your Daily Bread. You’re gonna love it. I think Paul would’ve loved the music of today and the indescribable effect it has on people. Now let’s get back to his letter.

          And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

          Now Paul has little pieces of advice for the different members of families. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. (Paul is very consistent on this topic, as you’ll find out in 1 Corinthians 7:2-5; 1 Corinthians 11:3-12; 1 Corinthians 14: 34-35; Ephesians 5:22-24, 33; 1 Timothy 2:9-15 and Titus 2:3-5. Peter also agrees in 1 Peter 3:1-6.)

          Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them.

          Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Do you know some mom’s and dad’s who’d like to tattoo that one across their forehead? This is something that seems to be long forgotten, and Paul also said in 2 Timothy 3:2, that in the last days, children would be disobedient to their parents.

          Fathers, don’t provoke your children to anger, lest they lose heart.

          Now Paul extends his advice to people who serve. Workers, obey your masters according to the flesh (a master according to the flesh is an employer, but Jesus said to call no one Master but God, Matthew 23:8, so Paul refers to a boss or employer as a master according to the flesh), not for others to see, for show, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God (naturally, if there is ever any suspicion of abusive behavior in any way, this does not apply). And whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly, as if you were doing it for the Lord, instead of man, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance (eternal life), because you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will receive an appropriate reward for the wrong which he has done, and there is no prejudice.

          You must admit, a great letter! Paul sure knows people and their tendencies, and also how to encourage them to follow the Christian path instead of the worldly path, keeping Jesus in focus at all times. Next time we’ll read the end of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, so join me again soon, won’t you, right here at Daily Bread. Don’t forget your Christian music! God Bless.