To Really Gaze.

To Really Gaze.

Colossians 3:14-17NIV

To Gaze, is to look at something or someone for a long time, especially in surprise or admiration.

When is the last time you have gazed? Gazed at the lasting-results of Jesus? Gazed into God’s words? Gazed into the peace of Christ? Gazed into redemption? Gazed into grace? Gazed into Holy Spirit? Gazed into Trinity?

According to the book, They Call Me Coach, by John Wooden, Patient-perseverance is the Key, and should characterize the life of every believer. Patient-perseverance requires the art of gazing. Catching vision. While reading this book, I came across a passage that illustrates this virtue. The author, a highly successful basketball coach at UCLA for many years, said, “In gameplay, it has always been my philosophy. That patients will win out. By that, I mean patience to follow our game plan. If we do believe in it, we will wear the opposition down and will get to them. If we break away from our style, however, and play their style, we are in trouble. And if we let our emotions command the game, rather than our reason, we will not function effectively. I constantly caution our team, play your game… Eventually, if you play your game, stick to your style, class will tell in the end! This does not mean that we will always outscore our opponent, but it does ensure that we will not beat ourselves.”

Paul the apostle had one plea for the church/His body- Stay the course. Refuse to deviate from God’s peace, Refuse to deviate from God’s word. -Learn to gaze at Jesus!

Colossians 3, The apostle Paul begins by encouraging believers to put off the old man, to put to death the works of the flesh. Remove all traces of the old man. Paul writes about the new man, walking in forgiveness.

And then Paul writes, Above all these things, Colossians 3:14-17NIV And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 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.

Again, Gazing is vital. Gazing entails trust. Gazing states by its action, or inaction God is in control. Gods got this. Gods on my side. Gazing into the things of the Word/Spirit changes everything. -Gazing changes atmosphere.

Several words jumped out at me as I read this Text:

Colossians 3:14AMP Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others].

1. Above all/ Above everything... Put on love.

-Love like this is a choice. -You choose love.

Paul goes on, “Because love binds them (Every other virtue), all together in perfect unity.”

Above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Love becomes the complete summary of my life. Love is the total sum.

Clarke Commentary, ...but above all these things put on love: “Upon all, over all; as the outer garment envelopes all the clothing, so let love invest and encompass all the rest… Let this, therefore, be as the upper garment… that invests the whole man.

Again, 1. Put on love!

2. To receive you have to surrender.

We see as we read, Colossians 3:15-16, the words... Let the peace...Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly...

There’s another word that should grab our attention.  Colossians 3:17...And whatever you do...

Let...Let...And whatever you do. - These words have the same thing in common:

There’s an art I call, The Art Of Letting Go! The Art Of Letting God! The Art Of Letting...is vital. And whatever you do...Don’t forget to gaze. P.H

Are you willing to surrender your will, for His?

Testimony- I have been greatly impacted by the biography of Hudson Taylor, one of the most effective missionaries in history. Rev. Taylor was a godly man of prayer who established churches throughout China's vast interior, Taylor ministered for years without joy. He was downcast over his struggles and thoughts of unbelief. In 1869 Taylor experienced a revolutionary change within. He saw that Jesus had all he needed, and that there was only one way to Jesus's fullness: Through faith. Taylor determined to stir up his faith, yet even that effort proved vain. Finally, in his darkest hour, the Holy Spirit gave him a revelation. Faith comes not by striving, but by resting on the promises of God.