BE KNOWN AS FAITHFUL
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy our brother:
2 To the saints in Christ at Colossae, who are faithful brothers and sisters. Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
Colossians 1:1-2 (CSB)
The apostle Paul called the church in Colossae "faithful brothers and sisters." This greeting indicates that Paul viewed them as followers of Christ and part of God's family, acknowledging their faith. The church members in Colossae were known for their faithfulness. Reflecting on this, would people today see us as faithful as well?
The Vertical Faithful Life. The people of Colossae exemplified a life of unwavering faithfulness to the Lord. A vertical faithfulness is characterized by surrender, submission, humility, and obedience, reflecting the relationship between the believer and God. The Colossians were recognized for living surrendered to God's will, submitting to His guidance, and maintaining a humble heart as servants of the Lord. They demonstrated obedience and prioritized God’s kingdom over their own. Like the Colossians, we should aim to live a life of vertical faithfulness, so that our dedication to the Lord is evident to others.
The Horizontal Faithful Life. The church in Colossae showed horizontal faithfulness by living together in faith and serving the Lord as a community. Their genuine love for others stemmed from their relationship with the Lord. This horizontal faithfulness demonstrated their ability to maintain unity and harmony, even when differences emerged. The love they extended reflected Christ's love to the surrounding community. A horizontal faithful life originates from a vertical faithful life, with our love for God fueling our love for others. It also drives our desire to reach others for God's kingdom. Today, our horizontal faithfulness must flow from our relationship with the Lord and our interactions with others, which should reflect Christ’s presence.
The Faithful Life Requires Focus. The emphasis on living faithfully requires focus. Living a faithful life begins with faith at the moment of salvation and involves a continual journey of spiritual growth. We must resist temptations and strive to live obediently for the Lord. This obedience also encompasses living out our faith in our daily interactions. A focus on living faithfully in our daily life empowers us to reflect Christ and make Him known. When we prioritize faithfulness, we aim to live in a way that shows Christ's presence through our actions and how we relate to others.
QUESTIONS
Our lives serve as a representation of our relationship with the Lord. How would the world define the passion of your heart and the actions of your life?
Would your life model a life that is known by the world as a life of faith?
