What do you resolve to do?

Col 2:23  Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

You can have all the rules and regulations you want.  This time of year is notable for "new Year's Resolutions".  You can make all the resolutions you want., but they will not help you in living a holy life before God.  Christianity is not about a bunch of rules and regulations, but it is about a relationship with Christ.

Col 3:1-2  Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  2  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

There must be a devotion to Jesus and the things above.  You must set your heart and mind.  Your heart is your emotions, or your affections.  What are you emotionally attached to?  What is you affection about?  What stirs your emotions?  Do the things of God stir your emotions?  Or is it something else that keeps leading you away from Christ?

The word “set” means to exercise the mind, entertain or have a sentiment or opinion.  In other words you must exercise your mind toward the things of God.  When you do this, you are not worried about rules and regulations.  You are focused on your relationship and fellowship with Christ.  When you do this, you will find yourself living a life you thought was once impossible to live, free from rules and regulations and totally devoted to Christ.

Photo Courtesy Melinda Nagy