Consider as Dead

For anyone who has tried to lose weight, get in shape, or become proficient in a new skill, you know it takes determination and sacrifice. It usually involves giving some things up. If you're trying to lose weight, you might adopt a low-calorie diet, which means cutting out sugar and carbs. If you're learning a new skill, it likely requires giving up binge-watching TV shows and hours of social media scrolling, replacing that time with focused practice or study.

In Colossians 3:5–11, the Apostle Paul, after reminding believers of who they are in Christ, urges them to live accordingly. He writes, “Consider the members of your earthly body as dead to...” and then lists three categories of sinful actions and attitudes that have no place in the life of a believer. Paul doesn’t mince words—he uses a violent metaphor to stress the seriousness of these sins. Why? Because they are spiritually destructive. Left unchecked, they can wreak havoc on your life and the lives of those around you.

I understand that talking about sins of sensuality isn't popular, but it's necessary. On any given day, the average person in America is exposed to more sensual content than their grandparents were in their entire lifetimes. In many ways, sex has become a kind of religion in our culture. Paul understood the destructive grip these sins can have, which is why he doesn't suggest we manage them—he commands us to put them to death. There’s only one stance a Christian should take: “Consider yourself dead to them.”

Everything Paul lists in this passage belongs to the old you, not the new you. These may still be moral battles we face in this life, but they should not characterize those who are bound for heaven.

Christ did not save us so that we could live however we please. He saved us to live godly lives—lives that are radically different from how we once lived as unbelievers.

Take a moment right now to identify at least one area in your life that doesn’t belong—and ask God to help you consider yourself dead to it.

Press on!

Pastor Brian Richard