Families are often glad to pass clothing from one child to another.  It is economical but also allows the older children to say, ‘I used to wear that’: a sort of bonding with younger siblings.  On the other hand, rebellious children can refuse to wear what is conventional for the family, and dress differently as a way of expressing that they do not respect the family values.  What we wear identifies us: an external sign of our loyalties and values.  Using that picture, Paul tells the believers in Colossae that they need 'new clothes' because they belong to Christ.
 

There is no doubt that God is always at work (John 5:17).  He continues to sustain the universe He has created (Hebrews 1:3) and is active in promoting good things for His people (Romans 8:28).  He is continually at work in every believer, motivating us to do what is good and empowering us to achieve it (Philippians 2:13).  The question is, do we let Him work in our lives, and in the lives of other believers in the fellowship, or do we get in the way, blocking His power and grace?
 

‘Submission’ tends to be seen as a negative concept.  But, in fact, it is as positive as love.

Relationships in the workplace are not always easy, especially when there is also a family or other close connection.  In Paul's day, slaves did whatever their masters commanded, as well as free people being employed to provide goods and services.  But when they believed the gospel and received Christ, they became brothers and sisters with other believers.  They enjoyed an equal relationship with Jesus irrespective of their unequal social status.  So how were they going to relate in their workplace?  Did they still have to obey their masters?