Kelly - Colossians 3

In contrast to Ephesians 6.

I never would have caught this before - but having read them so close to each other the similarities struck me.

Both include instructions about children being obedient and slaves being obedient - and about fathers raising their children in God.

And both include instructions on "clothing ourselves" - but in a VERY different manner. Colossians tells us to clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Ephesians tells us to put on the full armor of God, with the shield of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.

I like that the letters include both of these images - because neither one is adequate to my mind. The first is so militant, and the second so passive and weak. I spend 3 hours a week boxing with a sparring partner - "gentleness" doesn't fit my personality well. But I also get very squeamish about military might in any form - especially in the name of God - so the "sword of the Spirit" isn't something I really want to carry, either.

I know I have room to grow in both of these areas, but I'm comforted by the fact that neither one of these is the whole truth.