Forgive, Grow And Find God's Path for You预览

Living in Him

Spiritual growth is a process which occurs in different ways, as is highlighted in Colossians 2:6 – 7. The journey of growth begins with trusting in Christ’s sacrifice for us, and we are to continue in dependence on him: “So then, just as [we] received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live [our] lives in him” (Colossians 2:6). It is an ongoing relationship that begins with trust and continues in the same way.

The next highlight here, being “rooted” (Colossians 2:7), involves letting God, his truths, his people and his ways deep into our hearts and experiences, as a plant sets roots deep into the soil. Then, we are to be “built up” (Colossians 2:7), which has to do with constructing an internal life of character that works its way outward in more fruitful activities, relationships, performance and other signs of health. This may involve a change in our relationships, values or behavior, and is an ongoing process.

Then we are to be “strengthened in the faith as [we] were taught” (Colossians 2:7), which ensures that the growth we are experiencing is fueled and directed by our relationship with God and continues along the path of his ways.

“Overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:7) is our natural response to all God has given us. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 118:1). It all begins with Christ as Lord and continues forever. We need to keep our trusting relationship from turning into a religious path of relying on our own effort. We need to be like a plant which takes in the nutrients and then bears fruit.