A Christ-centric Walk

Are you rooted

Paul wants to make sure that the saints at Colossae are sure and stable in Christ. They were being threatened by some who would have them focusing on additional objects to worship and trust for moral living. But Paul makes it thoroughly clear that nothing or nobody is above Christ for whatever saints need or desire. Paul shows that divine exaltation belongs to Christ (1:15–20); in Him are found (a) reconciliation to God (1:21–23), (b) the revelation of the mystery of Christ in Gentiles (1:24–27), (c) believers’ perfection (1:28–29), and (d) education (wisdom) (2:1–5). For saints, Christ must be central. Thus why Paul begins verse 6, saying just as we received him, walk in him. We heard and received information about Christ our Lord, that moved us to submit and obey him. Our lives should reflect how we received him. In what manner do we know we are living stable and strong Christ centered lives?

Are you rooted? This is a plant or horticultural metaphor, used to emphasize the depth we have in Christ.

Application: If roots don’t grow deep, you can literally pull some plants out of the ground. Are our hearts fixated on Jesus? Why would they be? His preeminence. His love for you. His death for you. His ministry. Rooted says, that man is the most important person to me, and ever since I heard about him and received him, I ain’t going nowhere.

Is your construction ongoing

Paul then uses another metaphor, that pictures a construction project. The term built up is not a final picture, but one that’s ongoing. Not laying the foundation, but building on top of it. The idea is that there’s ongoing construction that’s getting closer and closer to completion.

Application: The interesting piece is that this is also passive, meaning we don’t construct ourselves, but Christ builds us. How? Through each individual part, doing it’s part, which results in ongoing construction of us all. But the builder is Christ.

Is your faith getting firmer

The next aspect of our walk that shows we are Christ centered is one that includes solid faith.

Application: This too is a present verb, which means it’s not suggesting that everyone’s faith has to be as solid as it can get, but is it becoming more and more secure, settled, and solid in the truth that we’ve learned from and about Jesus.

Is your life overflowing with gratitude

Paul ends by emphasizing gratitude to the development, growth, and endurance of our walk. It must be one that is overflowing. Interestingly, the grammar suggests that gratitude is the process that faith flourishes.

Application: This means it is difficult for us to grow in faith yet lack or decrease in gratitude at the same time. No, gratitude is the atmosphere or environment in which our faith walk develops. The more and stronger I reflect on all Christ’s benefits to my life, gratitude is constantly spilling over and surrounds me. That encourages my trust and reliance on him every single day!!