Colossians

December 9

Colossians

Our relationship with Jesus is not about a single experience. Our relationship begins at a point in time when we submit to Jesus as our Lord and Savior and we receive the gift of salvation He offers us, but that is just the beginning. "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him," (Colossians 2:6, NIV) When we receive Jesus as Lord we turn from our sin and turn to Him. We are to continue to walk toward Him after we make the turn. It is an error to believe we can get up from the altar of prayer after committing our lives to Jesus and to continue to live the same way we have always lived.

Our old nature is crucified with Christ. We are made new and our faith is revealed by our actions. "But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. " (Colossians 1:22-23a, NIV) Uniting with Jesus should not be a turbulent relationship. It is not like the up and down motion of the ocean. Our relationship with Jesus is about being dedicated to Him. If we really believe that He is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for our salvation, we will walk in obedience to Him. Faith is not just about what we think, our faith is the rudder that gives our lives direction.

Our old way of living, our old sinful nature dies with Christ. We are new people being renewed in Christ each day. Instead of reflecting the sinful nature and making excuses for the way we live, we now live as children of God, reflecting His character.