God's Chosen

Hey,
I heard Tony Evans say today: "give up what the flesh wants to give what the spirit needs." Isn't that just profound? "Screaming Tony" has great messages, I just wish his voice level wasn't always so intense.
Chuck has a new job. The Lord has provided so that he doesn't have to drive a truck hauling a flatbed. His new job is "hands off" freight. He just has to drive from point A to point B. And, he doesn't have to be in Chicago every other day. It's been hard for him to be home, but now he has peace and it seems to be a good company.
Check out Colossians 3:12-14 and join me....I really like the thought that I've been chosen by God. I know this means because I've trusted in the finished work of Christ on the cross. We are holy and dearly loved.
How many times do you think about how God loves you? Do you contemplate what Christ did on the cross and does it tear your heart out? We are filthy rags, but He loves us dearly and has made us holy. The dictionary says holy is: living a life of spiritual purity, dedicated, set apart, for sacred usage.
The Lord has set us apart from the world (unbelievers) so that we can live a life of spiritual purity. So when we consistently are disobedience, we are not honoring Him and all that He has done for us.
We are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Do you find times when you are stretched to the limits to do any or all of these? We may accomplish one, or part of some, but the whole list? We can't, under our own power. That's where the Holy Spirit is such a tremendous help.
Vs. 13 is a hard one for any of us to do. When we're mad at someone and lose patience, say something we shouldn't or shut down all communication with them, we are not bearing and forgiving. The key here is: "Forgive as the Lord forgave you".
How did He forgive us? By dying on the cross for us. He forgave all sins, past, present and future at that time. He did it sacrificially, unconditionally. As humans, it's hard for us to do that with each other. But here, we are commanded to do it.
I have found that if I decide to forgive and show that I forgive, whether the other person says they're sorry or not, that I have done what the Lord wants: obedience. The other person is responsible to the Lord for their actions/words, just like we all are.
The last verse talks about putting on love that binds together in perfect unity. That's unconditional love. Not always easy to do, but it takes a determined decision to show this type of love, no matter what. I've found that it isn't a decision that I make once and then am done, but have to reiterate many times through the years as the situation warrants.
What is your choice? Do you feel chosen, holy and dearly loved? If not, why not? Do you show the virtues listed? Do you forgive and love unconditionally? Do you accept God's unconditional love? Perfect unity can only be found in Him and in walking in obedience.

Taking baby steps of faith,
Sandy