**The Renewed Life: A Story of Transformation in Christ**
In the bustling city of Colossae, nestled in the Lycus Valley, a small but fervent community of believers gathered in the home of Philemon, a man of wealth and generosity. The church, though young, was alive with faith, yet whispers of confusion and old habits lingered among them. Some struggled to let go of the pagan rituals they had once known, while others were entangled in disputes, greed, or lingering anger.
One evening, as the golden sun dipped behind the hills, a messenger arrived from the distant city of Rome, bearing a letter from the apostle Paul—imprisoned yet burning with divine inspiration. The believers crowded close as Archippus, their faithful minister, unrolled the scroll and began to read aloud:
*”Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”*
A hush fell over the room. The words seemed to glow with heavenly light, piercing the hearts of those who listened.
### **The Old Self Laid to Rest**
Among the listeners was Demas, a merchant who had once dabbled in secret idolatry, fearing the gods of trade would abandon him if he worshipped Christ alone. His fingers still bore the callouses from counting coins late into the night, his heart divided between earthly gain and heavenly treasure.
As the letter continued, Paul’s words struck him like a hammer upon an anvil:
*”Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”*
Demas felt a weight press upon his chest. He remembered the hidden shrine in his home, the small statue of Hermes he had never fully discarded. That night, he returned to his house, took the idol in his hands, and without hesitation, smashed it upon the stones. The sound of breaking clay echoed through the room as he whispered, *”No more. Christ alone is my Lord.”*
### **The New Self Clothed in Righteousness**
Lydia, a woman known for her sharp tongue, sat near the back, her arms crossed. She had once been quick to quarrel, her words like sparks igniting strife among friends. But as Archippus read on, the words seemed to wrap around her like a gentle rebuke:
*”But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”*
Tears welled in her eyes as she recalled the bitter argument she had stirred just days before with another sister in the faith. That very night, she sought out the woman and fell to her knees, asking forgiveness. The two embraced, their reconciliation a living testimony of Christ’s transforming power.
### **A Community Bound in Love**
The letter did not merely call them to cast off sin—it summoned them to embrace a new way of life.
*”Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”*
Marcus, a former slave now freed, had carried resentment toward his old master, Nicanor, who had since become a brother in Christ. The words of the apostle stirred him. The next morning, he sought out Nicanor and, instead of rehearsing old grievances, he extended his hand in peace. “Let the past die,” Marcus said. “We are new creations now.”
### **The Peace of Christ in Their Midst**
As the weeks passed, the church in Colossae began to change. Where once there had been division, now there was unity. Where greed had festered, generosity flourished. The believers gathered not only to hear teaching but to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in their hearts.
*”And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”*
Even their daily labor became an act of worship. The potter molded his clay with prayers on his lips. The farmer tilled the soil with a heart of thanksgiving. The mothers taught their children the ways of the Lord, knowing that their work was not in vain.
### **The Final Exhortation**
On the day Archippus finished reading the letter, the believers stood in awe of the wisdom God had given Paul. The final words settled upon them like a blessing:
*”Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful… Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”*
As the believers dispersed, the city of Colossae seemed a little brighter, the hearts of its people a little lighter. They were no longer defined by their past but by their new life in Christ—raised with Him, hidden in Him, and awaiting His glorious return.
And so, the church in Colossae walked forward, not in the shadows of their former selves, but in the radiant light of Christ’s love.
