Session 3

Is it really all about me?

From Pursuing Uncommon Unity: A 7-Day Devotional

Have you ever seen a kid’s eyes light up as they listen to a story or transform a block into a high-flying airplane? Watching kids grow up is fascinating and fun, but there’s another side you may have seen, too.

At around age 2 or 3, kids start to say “Mine!” when you take away a toy and “Me!” when they want to go first. Toddlers don’t learn this from watching their parents or guardians because all kids do it.

As we get older, we learn to disguise selfishness. But if we are making decisions based on what makes us feel good or holding on to what we think is ours, we are living with a toddler’s mindset.

Colossians is a letter, originally written to the church in Colossae. The author, Paul, reminds the church that believing in Jesus and following Him means no longer living for ourselves. Our lives have shifted from being all about what we want and what we desire, to what God wants and desires.

It doesn’t matter where a person comes from, what language he speaks, or the amount of money he makes (Colossians 3:11).

All that matters is Jesus. And if we are living for Jesus, that’s all that should matter to us. Instead of worrying about how we look or what others think, we are to wear “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). But above all else, we are to put on love.

To put something on is a choice. Just as we choose to put on a coat when it’s cold or a rain jacket when it’s raining, we have to choose to put on love. Without love, our lives are like that of a toddler, focused on ourselves and what we feel is ours. It is in Jesus’ love, and us putting on His love, that we experience uncommon unity and peace.

REFLECT:

• What is one way pursuing love leads to unity?
• Do you find yourself putting on love, compassion, kindness, and gentleness? Or, do you find yourself holding tightly to what’s yours and demanding to be first?
• Colossians 3:12-14 explains how we can clothe ourselves to reflect Jesus to others. As you get ready for your day, ask God to clothe you with these things as well.