Are we acting like we are dead or Alive?

Read Colossians 3.

The similarities between this chapter and Ephesians 4-5 are inescapable.  The Holy Spirit guided the Apostle Paul to write similar admonitions in many of his other letters.  These consistent statements explain the bedrock of what a true follower of Jesus looks like.

The basic picture is that when one places their eternal faith in Christ, they become a new person from the inside out (2 Corinthians 5:17).  They are to consider the old life before Christ to be dead (Romans 6:8).  Receiving Jesus is compared to a resurrection to life (Colossians 3:1).  This new life is no longer marked by "I" but Christ (Galatians 2:20).  Since life is outwardly evident for all to see, true faith in Jesus is impossible to hide.  It influences our way of thinking, speaking and behaving in all circumstances.  Others can see if you have a genuine faith.  

Question: What noticeable differences has Christ made in my life?

Some of the sinful habits of the old self are listed in this chapter.  The responsibility of a believer is to "put to death" (v.5), "put them all away" (v.8), and "put off" (v.9) every one of those indicators of existence without Christ.  Instead, we submit to the One who is our life (v.4) and seek to please Him in all things.  We are "God's chosen ones, holy and beloved" (v.12).  Now, we must discipline ourselves to act like it.  "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (v.17).

So, what does that look like exactly?  After a list of positive Christian traits in verses 12-13, he adds three more hallmarks of this new life.
1. Put on love. (v.14)
If we implement the character of verses 12-13 with a commitment to love people, we have provided the basis for an environment of living in relational harmony.

2. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. (v.15)
Hurting people, hurt people.  They resent what happened to them.  When we personally embrace God's forgiveness and trust His loving sovereignty in our circumstances, we experience His peace and gratitude in all things.  This peace becomes evident to others and allows us the freedom to minister to their needs.

3. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. (v.16)
There can be no spiritual growth without one immersing themselves in the Scriptures.  Note: this is not just for Sundays, a class to take, or group meeting.  The truth of God's word is to be "in you", and not a little, but abundantly!  The rest of this verse describes how this commitment to the Bible will be outwardly displayed for all to see.