Jeremiah 10:23–24 - Is there some sin in your life

"I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own.
We are not able to plan our own course.
So correct me, LORD, but please be gentle.
Do not correct me in anger, for I would die." (New Living Translation)

Is there some sin in your life that you just can't seem to conquer? Those kinds of struggles remind us that "our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course." Too many things control us: our own sin, other people, forces too big for us, such as the weather. We need to acknowledge that we need his help in correcting our sin, but we can depend on God's gentleness. Unlike human parents, this Parent corrects us in gentleness and love, never in anger. Allow him to "correct your course" as you trust his gentleness.

Colossians 3:15-17

"And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." (New Living Translation)

The idea of thankfulness is repeated three times in these three verses. Thankfulness is to be our basic orientation to life. How do you become more thankful? By taking in the word of God and letting it make you wise. Understanding God's ways leads to joy, peace, and the ability to love others truly.

Colossians 3:14 - What is the most important thing we can do ("over all")?

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (NIV)

What is the most important thing we can do ("over all")? Love. Love is what covers our own faults. Love is the glue that binds, the thing that makes everything work together in perfect unity. Think of voices singing in unity, making beautiful music together. That is the picture of love. It is beautiful, it is supreme, it is what we should "wear." As you dress today, remember to put on the most important thing—love.