"Colossians 1-4, Philemon"
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Few advertising slogans are more iconic than Apple's "Think Different" campaign. Back when computers were big beige boxes, Apple shook up the status quo with a new perspective. And as we read Paul's prison letters, Paul challenges us to shift our perspective as well — to "Think Different" about almost everything.
Think Different About Jesus
On Monday (Col. 1), Paul opens up his short letter to the Colossians, telling them how he prays for them to be full of the "knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Col. 1:9). He shares his thankfulness that God has pulled us out of darkness, giving us a place in his Son's kingdom — where we find forgiveness of all our sins (Col 1:12-14). And he lifts up Jesus as preeminent, the Creator of the world, the perfect embodiment of God in human form, who is head of the church, bringing us peace through his death (Col. 1:15-23).
Think Different About Suffering
As Paul closes out the first chapter, he says that it isn't easy following Jesus — which he should know, as he's writing from a prison cell! Is he discouraged from his sufferings? Not at all! He describes these trials as opportunities to serve the entire multi-ethnic community of the Lord's people, bringing them to maturity, wherever they are (Col. 1:27-29).
Think Different About Growth
And then on Tuesday (Col. 2), Paul encourages them to keep growing, not only in their faith (Col. 2:7) but growing closer to each other in love (Col. 2:2). They might be tempted to follow either the Jewish or pagan influences around them, Paul reminds them that in Christ, they're set free from all these old traditions and religious-looking practices (Col. 2:16-19).
Think Different About Your Life
So, on Wednesday (Col. 3), Paul gets practical by reshaping our thinking on basically every aspect of our lives. He lists a slew of sinful practices and shows us the better alternatives for each (Col. 3:5-17). He gets personal, addressing our relationships with spouses, parents, children, masters, and slaves (Col. 3:18-4:1). This new way of life is more than changing our actions. It's a total change in mindset!
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3:2-3).
Think Different About Your Brother
On Thursday (Col. 4), Paul familiarly closes his letter with some warnings, encouragements, greetings, and some housekeeping. But as he mentions a handful of first-century brothers and sisters who say, "Hello!", he name-drops — just briefly — a man named Onesimus, "our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you" (Col. 4:9).
And that leads us to Friday (Philem.), where we learn more about Onesimus. He had run away from his master — a believer — named Philemon. And while he was on the run, he heard the gospel and obeyed it! So Paul writes to Philemon to get the two of them back together again. He leverages his relationships with both men to bridge the gap between them. We don't really know how their story ended. But seeing Paul's confidence in Philemon as we read the letter makes it easy to imagine forgiveness and reconciliation. How can a slave and a master be transformed into brothers? Through a new way of thinking, in Christ.
