Do not lie to each other, since 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 3:9-10

…So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…
Colossians 1:10

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Have you found yourself doom-scrolling? Perhaps you intended to sit down for a few moments to catch up on your friends’ posts, only for an hour to pass without realizing it. In that time, you may have been transported across the world or into the triumph or challenge of an acquaintance, or maybe an ad or influencer convinced you to purchase something you didn’t know you needed until just that moment. 

While there is nothing wrong with enjoying content created by influencers, it becomes problematic when their voices drown out God’s voice in our lives. Believe it or not, this isn’t a modern-day problem. The digital aspect of it, yes, that is new. But getting caught up in focusing on messages from other people more than God’s will for our lives has been happening since the dawn of civilization. 

This is where we find Paul in our Scripture for today. Paul’s letter to the Colossians reminds us of a profound truth: as believers, we have shed our old selves and are being renewed in the image of our Creator. This renewal is not just a superficial change but a deep, ongoing transformation. Unlike the transient and often superficial nature of trends set by influencers, God’s work in us is enduring and transformative. Our example of how we live and lead with love is meant to be transformative to the people around us. The Colossians were living in such a way that they were devoted to Roman rule and deceiving each other. Paul’s message was simply to focus on Christ’s calling. 

We are reminded that we are all renewed in spirit, and we must leave our old ways of corruption, idolatry, and deception behind. We must embrace the new life where we clothe ourselves in love, compassion and hope because Christ is all and is in all. The transformation from the “old self” to the “new self” as Christians is not just a one-time event but a continuous process of renewal. Paul was the original influencer. Influencing others to live and love like Jesus does. 

Next Steps

• As a church, let’s participate in the Bible Reading plan and read the whole New Testament by the end of the year. Join in the app or click here. 
• Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the new life we have in Christ.  Help us to seek You above all else. In a world filled with many voices and influences, guide us to prioritize Your truth and Your love. Renew our minds and hearts each day, shaping us into the image of Your Son. May our lives reflect Your grace and draw others to Your saving knowledge. Amen.