Colossians 2:6-7 (Amplified Bible)
6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in [union with] Him [reflecting His character in the things you do and say—living lives that lead others away from sin], 7 having been deeply rooted [in Him] and now being continually built up in Him and [becoming increasingly more] established in your faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing in it with gratitude.
What does it mean to walk in Christ? It means we are called to abide in Him and live in Him. When we come to Christ, He becomes the place where we abide. Everything we have and all that we are belongs to Him. We have been chosen by God, we have been called by God, He has designed our lives with specific purpose.
When we understand that coming to Christ is not by accident and chance, but instead by divine design, it causes us to live for Him. We have done nothing to warrant or merit salvation. There is nothing in us that God would look at and say they surely deserve salvation. But it is simply a work of His grace. He in His love has lavished His mercy upon us and as we begin our journey with Christ may we live in a way in which we hold nothing back but are willing to surrender all things.
We have received Jesus as we receive a gift. Jesus has paid the price that we deserve and has removed everything that causes us to be separated from God the Father. Paul calls us to be rooted and grounded in Christ. Like a mighty Oak Tree may our roots go down deep in Christ and as we receive life from Him, may His life be manifested in us. The ability to represent Christ in all things is not dependent on our strength or ability, it is solely dependent on abiding in Him. Understanding that He indeed is the life source.
We are called to be built up in Him and established in our faith. The enemy will do all that He can to try to pull us back into the world. Satan desires to paralyze our faith through lies, deceptions, and temptations. Every lie is born out of the heart of Satan and is contrary to the word and promises of God. He is called the father of lies and we must guard our hearts daily from every assault and flaming arrow.
May our lives simply be marked by thanksgiving and gratitude. In this thanksgiving season we may meditate upon the many things we are thankful for. But the greatest of all of them is Jesus and what He has done. When we understand the depths of our sin and depravity, it is simply amazing that Jesus has chosen to take the wrath we deserve. He chose to take our place not because we deserve it, but because He loves us. It is His love that held Him to the cross.
Prayer
Father thank you this day for Jesus. Jesus thank you for taking the punishment and wrath that we deserve. May my life be rooted and grounded in you. May my faith be established. Father I pray that you would produce within me an unshakable faith. I pray that every area of my life would simply be surrendered to you. Father may my heart be fixed upon your truth and your word. Thank you for being the good and gracious Father you are. Thank you for choosing and using me in spite of all my failures and short comings. Father thank you for your love and grace. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
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