Be Known By Faith
He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, 8 and he has told us about your love in the Spirit.
Colossians 1:7b-8 (CSB)
We are all recognized for something. When others hear our names, they often associate us with certain character traits. As followers of Christ, we should aim to be known for our faith in Jesus Christ. When our lives reflect this faith, they become living testimonies to His work, presence, and promises. The apostle Paul mentions that he has heard about the faithfulness of the people in Colossae; they are distinguished by their faithfulness.
Known by Those Who Serve. The church in Colossae gained recognition because of their dedication to serving the Lord. When a follower of Christ commits to serving, they start to overcome the temptation to focus on themselves. Serving the Lord brings out humility and surrender. A servant of the Lord aims to understand His ways and to embody them daily. The actions of God's children reflect His presence and are designed to direct others toward whom they serve.
Known By Your Love. The church in Colossae was recognized for their love, which stemmed from Christ's presence in their lives, rather than worldly notions of love. Their love was not based on personal gain but reflected Christ's love for them. They were identified by their love because it was motivated by their love for God. As they loved others in the way they experienced God's love, they were able to extend grace and find peace within their community. When we are known by our love, we model and demonstrate Christ's love to others, creating opportunities to share the greatest love story—the message of the gospel.
Known by Your Identity. The believers in Colossae were recognized by their relationship with Christ. They openly and boldly identified as followers of Christ, rather than hiding their faith. Choosing to live openly for Christ can sometimes lead to hardships or persecution. However, this public declaration confirms that our true identity is rooted in Christ, not in worldly people, places, or possessions. Our identity is not fleeting but an eternal truth.
QUESTIONS
What markers and activities in your life define and identify who you are?
How would people around you define your faith?
