COLOSSIANS 3:8

“But now you also, rid yourselves of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth.”

When I come in from working outside, my wife makes me take my clothes off in the garage and then directly to the washing machine. She can’t stand the smell of my sweat and dirt. I have to lay those things aside to distance myself from them in order to cleanse myself.

That’s the picture Paul is painting in today’s verse. Strong’s Lexicon explains this so well. “The Greek verb apotithémi is used in the New Testament to convey the action of putting off or laying aside something, often in a metaphorical sense. It implies a deliberate action of removing or discarding something that is no longer needed or is considered inappropriate. This term is frequently used in the context of moral and spiritual transformation, where believers are encouraged to “put off” sinful behaviors and attitudes.”

APPLICATION

This verb is only used 9 times in the New Testament. In James 1:21 it says, “Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” To truly receive the Word, you have to get rid of all the stuff in your life that seeks to draw you away.

In Hebrews 12:1 the Holy Spirit tells us, “Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us.” You can’t run and drag this stuff with you. You have to throw it away.

What do you need to rid yourself of today? It may not be “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech,” but it still needs to go. You need to be unhindered, ready to run. Lay all that stuff aside and pursue the race He has for you.

Oh Lord, give me the strength to lay these things aside and never pick them up again.