“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips” (Colossians 3:5-8)

Paul provides a fascinating roadmap for change in the third chapter of Colossians. He begins by giving us a destination: set our hearts and minds on things above, where Christ is seated (vs. 1-2). Then, he lays out the day-to-day process of the journey. We are to rid ourselves of everything that belongs to our old, earthly nature.

This instruction to "put to death" the parts of our earthly nature can sound harsh, but it is a critical part of our walk with Christ. Paul lists them clearly: “sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry” and also “anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips” (Colossians 3:5, 8). This is the path to true transformation.

The Slippery Slope of Sin

Why such a strong command to put these things to death? Paul gives a sobering reason: “Because of these, the wrath of God is coming” (vs. 6). These practices are not neutral; they are a slippery slope away from God. We see this same pattern outlined at the very beginning of humanity’s story, a progression into debauchery that starts with a simple, yet profound, turning away from God. The book of Romans makes this heartbreaking process very clear.

It begins with ingratitude. "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Romans 1:21). A failure to give thanks was the first step away from the light.

Next, this thankless heart leads to deception. "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen" (Romans 1:25). When we refuse to honor the Creator, we inevitably begin to worship the creation—our possessions, our ambitions, ourselves.

From there, the refusal to acknowledge God leads to corrupted thinking. “Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done" (Romans 1:28). The mind, no longer anchored in truth, is given over to destructive patterns.

Finally, the heart becomes completely hardened and antagonistic toward God. "Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them" (Romans 1:32). What started as a simple lack of gratitude spirals into a full-blown celebration of sin.

This process seems to start innocently enough, but it reveals a powerful truth: unthankfulness is a seed that can grow into all sorts of wickedness. Thankfully, Paul brings us back to the good news. He reminds us, “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived” (Colossians 3:7). That life is over. We have been given a new identity.

The Vehicle for Lasting Change

If Romans 1 shows the path of hostility toward God, then Colossians 3 gives us the instructions for living out of our new self. The journey away from God starts with ingratitude, but the journey toward Him is fueled by the renewal of our minds. We are told, “you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3:9b-10). This renewal is the vehicle for change.

So how do we live out of this new self, fashioned after Jesus? Paul provides practical steps.

First, love deeply and forgive quickly. He writes, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:12-14). This is the uniform of the new self.

Second, cultivate a heart of gratitude. This is the direct antidote to the poison of ingratitude mentioned in Romans. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (vs. 15). Thankfulness is not just a polite gesture; it is a spiritual discipline that keeps our hearts oriented toward God.

Next, let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. Immerse yourself in scripture. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (vs. 16). Knowing God’s love letter to us equips us to live wisely and fuels our thankfulness.

Finally, do everything for the Lord. We find our purpose when we recognize who we are truly serving. “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” (vs. 17). Every act can become an act of worship.

Start with Thankfulness

It is remarkable that in both passages, the journey either toward or away from God began with the heart’s response of thankfulness or ingratitude. The path to a depraved mind began with a failure to give thanks. The path to a renewed life is saturated with it.

Today, do not let your heart be drawn down the path of unthankfulness. Take a moment to praise the Lord for who He is and what He has done, just as King David did when he said, "I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips" (Psalm 34:1). Make it your mission today to be thankful. Love deeply, forgive quickly, and watch as God continues the beautiful work of change in your life.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. Where has ingratitude started to affect your thoughts or actions?

2. What old habit do you need to put to death this week, and what “new self” action can you practice?

3. Is there someone you need to forgive as Christ forgave you?