Grow in Grace
6 So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, 7 being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.
Colossians 2:6-7 (CSB)
Paul understood that salvation is a single moment that launches a lifelong journey. While the promise of eternal life happens instantly at salvation, as children of God, we begin a relational process of growing in the Lord. The apostle Paul emphasized that the Colossians needed to be firmly rooted in the Lord and build their lives around Him. Today, upon experiencing salvation, we too should make every effort to build our lives on the Lord and live faithfully.
Walk in Christ. Paul urged the Colossians to persist in living in the Lord. To “walk in him” is a call to live obeyingly. This walk signifies that our lives are a journey along the path the Lord has laid out, guided by the principles of His Word and His guidance. The call to keep walking indicates that this journey is ongoing. We must continually move toward our eternal home in heaven by living in harmony with God's will, ways, and Word.
Live Rooted in Christ. Paul understood that walking in Christ depends on being properly rooted in Him. When we anchor ourselves in Christ, we recognize that He sustains us as soil sustains roots. Our purpose, strength, and nourishment come from this connection. Living rooted in Christ means relying on Him rather than on ourselves.
Build Your Life in Christ. The foundation of our lives is defined by where we plant our roots. The apostle Paul urged the Colossians to base their lives on their rootedness. Building life entails that every part of our existence rests on Christ. When we build in Christ, we acknowledge that self-made efforts won't survive life's tests, but those built on Christ will endure. Jesus concluded the Sermon on the Mount with the parable of two men who built houses—one on the rock and one on the sand. The house on the rock remained standing, while the one on the sand was destroyed by storms. This parable reinforces Paul’s message to the Colossians that their lives should be built solely on Christ, a truth relevant for us today.
Overflow With Gratitude. Gratitude is the abundance of joy that emerges from thankfulness for what the Lord has done, is doing, and will do. The idea of overflow suggests that we receive such blessings from the Lord that our hearts are filled to the brim with thankfulness. This overflow spills into our lives and influences others. When we live with gratitude, the world perceives Jesus because He is the overflow of our lives. Reflecting on the state of our hearts, are we individuals of gratitude or selfishness?
QUESTIONS
Why is it critical for a believer to walk in Christ? How does walking with the Lord reveals one’s relationship with Christ?
How are you attempting to build your life? What foundations are you attempting to allow to define the construction of your life?
