An entire week spent on the same passage of Scripture. Each day bringing another truth and directive on how to live each day from Colossians 2:6-23 …
- Deep Roots + Lives Built on Jesus = Strong Faith + Thanksgiving
- Christ = ALL the fullness of God in a human body
- We are made complete In. Christ. Alone.
Paul continues to give some very practical instructions for daily living in this passage … “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thanksgiving.” (verse 6-7, NIV).
Paul uses imagery suggesting our lives are to be like superstructures. The superstructure is the part which is built above the foundation. We are to continue to build upon the foundation already laid for us by Christ. We are to be “strengthened in the faith” which means our faith is to be “firm and reliable to inspire confidence” (New Testament Lexical Aids). As we stand firm, roots going deep, our lives will inspire others to seek Him and grow deeply.
In Christ, we see the fullness of God – all that He is – in a human body. To know Christ is to know God. We have His Holy Spirit alive in us, empowering us to live each day strengthened and in victory. The gift that is ours through Him is amazing. We have been made complete in Him already.
As we embrace these truths fully, our lives are “overflowing with thankfulness”. This is written in the present active participle which means it is written so that it is not only currently taking place but repeatedly taking place. Thankfulness is to be happening in our lives, now at this moment, and happening in every moment to come. Our lives are to be marked by an overflow of thanksgiving.
This attitude of thanksgiving is sure to be tried today as the snow continues to come down in our area. More to shovel, another snow day with cancellations and battling ice. Perhaps for you, it is a day of runny noses, coughs, potty training and grumpy people. Even in this, may our lives be marked by and overflow with thanksgiving. It can even be a sunny day for you with warm temps but you face the grueling task of commuting to work with angry drivers on the road. Whatever is facing you today, may we each be thankful for the day He has given to us.
Paul made a big deal of roots because they matter greatly.
Let your roots grow down into Him.
In Christ alone, we are made complete.
Today I am joining … #SmallWonder and Inspire Me Mondays and Playdates with God and Create With Joy and Making Your Home Sing .
Love this so much. Sooooo much.
May my roots be ever do deep… And show.
Your encouragement means much to me. Hoping all is well with you!
May all of our roots grow deep with thankfulness!!
I believe the time has come for Christians to shine, and what better way than through thankfulness.
Michelle, your comment is quite timely given the weather we have had here the last few days. Thankfulness, rather than grumbling, will truly shine here 🙂
I think there’s a verse in Col. 3 about being “rooted and grounded in love.” It’s one of my favorite prayer images. Thanks for linking with #SmallWonder.
There is in chapter 2 🙂 verses 6-7. Always nice to join you!
Reminds me from a line from Brad Pitt’s latest film, “Fury” – which has the strongest explicitly Christian message I have ever seen in a mainstream movie.
“There’s a wave coming. We’re the rock that is going to break that wave.”
I love spending extended time over and over on the same passage. We gain so much that way. What a rich passage you sat with. Thanks for sharing what you learned from it. I want my life to overflow with thankfulness too. (And what a great image!)
Lisa, the day I saw the image I found it to be very thought provoking. Roots are often hidden from view so it was interesting to see them revealed. Always grateful that you stop here!
Great encouragement–to be rooted in Christ. And yes, a thankful heart!
I’ve always found it interesting that the plants in the most barren terrain (the desert, mountaintops) have the deepest and widest root systems. There might not be much showing on top–but my, those roots go deep! I think that’s the same way with people. Too often we judge them based on what we can see, never realizing that some of the quietest, plainest people have the most incredible foundation in Jesus.
Anita, is that not the truth! Both about plants & people. Years ago, when trying to grow tomatoes in our garden, my FIL taught me to let the plants go dry a little bit so that the roots search for water & will go deeper into the soil. Grew the best tomatoes when I listened. Probably true in my life as well 🙂
So beautiful… and then to wrap it up with that photograph -such a powerful visual! Yes and Amen! May our roots grow deep and our branches reach high!
Karrileea, that photo struck me too. We do not often see the depth of the roots of a tree. May we grow both ways – deep & high!
It is our depth in Christ that helps us in the world we are in. Just like the parable of the house on the rock. When we are deeply rooted in Christ, we are not moved by all the noise in the world.
God Bless Friend. I am glad I came over. Thank you for your comment on my Blog. It is encouraging.
http://purposefulandmeaningful.blogspot.com/
Today may we stand firm, Ifeoma! Grateful you stopped here!