Colossians 2:6 May 15, 2013

Barbara Elliott Colossians 2:6

"As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so live in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you -were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Apostle Paul speaks eloquently of our need to live in Christ -being rooted and built up in him. His reference to the root -the essential source of nourishment in a vine - was quite natural since the grapevine is a national symbol for the Jewish people. Just as a vine cannot grow without a continuous flow of nutrition from its root, we too as Christians cannot hope to flourish without a steady flow of nourishment from our Father. Christ, the Master Teacher, lived his life in faithful devotion to God, demonstrating this truth daily. He walked in God's word - studying, preaching and teaching God's message to hungry and thirsty people. He exercised a continuous prayer life, fully tapping into the source of his strength. Christ kept fit through regular worship with those in his community, and he practiced his faith through loving service to others. His obedience to the Father and deeds of grace to the people were offered freely in joyous thanksgiving to God. Therefore, let us strive to follow Christ's perfect example, living in thankful obedience, deeply rooted in Christ who taught us how to be securely built up and established in faith.

Prayer: Lord, open our hearts this day to receive the daily nourishment that only you can provide. Build up our lives in faithful and joyful devotion for Jesus' sake. AMEN