LEARNING DAILY

Colossians 2:6, And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. (NLT)

It is by God’s grace that Believers recognize they are sinners in need of a Savior – that is the beginning of their walk with Jesus Christ. Paul is clear that when Believers place their faith in Jesus Christ, they are to continue their walk with Him in faith. This walk is living and thinking like He does. False teachings were found in Colosse just like the many false teachings today that try to give people an easy way to live and still get to heaven. Those teachings emphasize works and personal sacrifice in pleasing God. Yes, Believers are to do good works; these works are the result of being saved, not the source of salvation.

The emphasis in this verse is to stay connected to Christ and to be rooted in one’s faith. There have been strong winds in our area lately. Just like the trees needed a strong root system to stand in the storms, Believers must have a strong foundation in Christ to get through the challenges faced in life. That happens by allowing God’s Word – that we put in our heart by reading/studying/meditating on it daily – so it guides their actions, thoughts, and decisions. By being continually in His Word, the Believer is established in the faith, which means having a deep and solid belief in God’s promises and His power.

Paul is writing to challenge Believers to live in a way, to walk the narrow way that reflects their faith in Jesus. He wants them to walk so the light of Jesus in them shines brightly for all to see. He wants everything they think, say, and do to bring glory to God. The ungodliness and evil around is growing and showing its ugliness more each day. Colossians 2:6 is not about some intellectual walk but a great commitment to allow the Holy Spirit to change you, to transform you to look, talk, and walk like Jesus. When Believers received Christ as their Savior, they acknowledge Him as their Lord; that implies that He has authority over their lives.

“You must continue to follow him” is instruction to continue to walk in faith. To “follow” or “to live” is not a passive activity, but how Believers are to walk the narrow way daily! To daily live in Christ means allowing his teachings and the Holy Spirit to guide your actions, decisions, and attitudes. Do you remember the WWJD bracelets and slogan. It was a reminder about What Would Jesus Do. With all the distractions and challenges faced each day this is a great reminder to get and stay anchored in Jesus. Each Believer faces a world that is often in conflict with biblical teaching. This verse challenges Believers to evaluate where they place their trust and how they walk daily with Him.