Head-Heart-Hands — The Emotional Side of Christianity - Wednesday
Today’s Verse
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (NIV)
I love this verse. It holds a special place in my heart because of the important lessons it teaches in so few words.
I worked at a summer camp for over 10 years, and we had a recurring motto plastered on friendship bracelets, signs around the dining hall, and in our Bible studies. The motto was CKHGP (pronounced kuh-kuh-huh-guh-puh)
You may have already realized it, but let me connect the dots for you: each of those letters stand for an attribute from Colossians 3:12. There is no better way to ensure that an 8-year-old learns something than by turning it into a secret code. As we would leave the dining hall, a kid would clasp hands with another, and I’d hear them say “CKHGP.” The other kid would smile back. They knew what it meant. These kids had mastered simple accountability just by repeating a few consonants!
I often need gentle reminders like this. We are called to cast off our old selves, but then what do we put back on? CKHGP. Christ has called us not to live like the world lives but to live the way He has called us to live. How has He called us to live? CKHGP. When you don’t know what you are supposed to be doing, CKHGP.
I fall back on this motto frequently in my own life. When life is complicated and seems too difficult, I remind myself to have a little more compassion. When I don't know what to say, respond with kindness. When I can’t seem to figure anything out, try some humility. When I’m at the end of my rope, use gentleness. When I am worried, have patience.
REFLECTION
This week, I challenge you to write CKHGP on a note card and stick it somewhere you will see it every day. Bonus points if someone else can see it, too, and ask you what it means! Let it serve as a reminder each day to fill your life with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.