We are called to live differently

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:17 NLT

It is hard to just read Colossians 3:17 without looking at the verses around it that put it more fully into context.

In the New Living Translation chapter 3 starts with the title "Living the New Life." As Christians we are called to live differently.  

Verse 2 tells us to "Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth." The world would have us look through sinful eyes when we should be looking as though through God's eyes. To do that we must spend time with God and His Word daily. To understand the Scriptures is to understand how to be a representative of Jesus.

In verse 12 Paul tells us that we "must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." It is not an option. Nowhere does he tell us to violently disagree, yell, scream, murder, hate, and the list goes on and on. No, the words he uses tell us to forgive and to love. Always.

I hear verse 16 telling us that with thankful hearts we should teach one another, hold one another accountable, and worship together.

The world should see us as a representative of Jesus Christ. Loving one another. Helping each other to stay the course. Reminding each other not to pervert God's Word so that it matches what the world wants. We can disagree with the world but it must be done in truth and love. We are God's children and we need to act like it.