Wholehearted and Human

Ordinary joys received with gratitude, a picture of living fully human in Christ.

Devotional Credit: His Victorious Indwelling, compiled by Nick Harrison
Photo Credit: Unsplash

Colossians 2:20 to 23 warns against rule keeping that parades as wisdom while missing the heart. Today’s reading reminds me that the victorious life in Jesus is not narrow and prickly. It is holy, honest, and deeply human. The King’s work never calls for rudeness. Courtesy and kindness fit the gospel.

I appreciate the gentle balance. We live in bodies that tire. Sometimes worn nerves and a heavy week are not signs of failure. Sometimes the wiser path is a full night of sleep and a walk with a friend. Recreation, music, and simple hobbies can be received with gratitude to God, enjoyed in the light, and used to bless others.

This is not drifting into indulgence. It is trusting the Holy Spirit to set the measure. He frees us from harsh treatment of the body and from false humility. He also leads us away from careless living. In Jesus we learn to enjoy God’s good gifts without bowing to them.

So the invitation is clear. Live from union with Christ in the middle of ordinary life. Let love be visible in small courtesies. Let rest be received as a gift. Let your interests become bridges for grace. The Spirit is more than able to make this day both worshipful and wonderfully human.

Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I call you to put no confidence in the flesh. Since you died with Christ to the basic rules of the world, do not submit again to human regulations that only appear wise. Receive what I give with thanksgiving, for everything created by God is good when received with gratitude and consecrated by the word and prayer.

Do all to the glory of God. In word and deed act in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him. Present your body as a living sacrifice. I renew your mind so you discern what is good and pleasing and perfect. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. Walk by the Spirit. The kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

I remember your frame. I lead you to wise rest. Come away and rest for a while. Cheerful hearts do good like medicine. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Honor God in your body. Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Outdo one another in showing honor. Speak with gentleness and respect. Use the gifts I have given to serve others as good stewards of My grace.

When you enjoy music, sport, study, or craft, give thanks and remain free. Do not judge another servant in disputable matters. Set your mind on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. I am the Giver of every good and perfect gift. I came that you may have life and have it abundantly. In all of this, abide in Me, and fruit will remain.

Scripture references: Colossians 2:20 to 23, Philippians 3:3, 1 Timothy 4:4 to 5, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17, Romans 12:1 to 2, Philippians 4:5, Galatians 5:16, Romans 14:17, Psalm 103:14, Mark 6:31, Proverbs 17:22, 1 Corinthians 6:19 to 20, Colossians 3:12 to 15, Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 3:15, 1 Peter 4:10, Romans 14:3 to 5, Philippians 4:8, James 1:17, John 10:10, John 15:4 to 5.

Real-Life Analogy
Think of seasoning a pot of soup. A little salt draws out the good flavors. Too much salt overwhelms everything. The Holy Spirit knows the right measure. As I trust Him, He seasons the day so that sleep, work, play, and service come together in a way that tastes like grace.

Try this today. When you plan the evening, pause and say, Lord, I trust You to set the measure of rest, relationships, and work tonight as You live in and through me. Then choose one small courtesy or joy to receive with gratitude and share with someone near you.

Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You for joining me to Jesus and for filling me with the Holy Spirit. Thank You for good gifts to receive with gratitude, for wise rest, and for work that can be done in Your name. I present this body and this day to You. I rejoice that Your kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy. Lord, I trust You to express that life through me in every conversation, task, and moment of refreshment.