Colossians 2:7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
The Apostle Paul wrote these words to the church at Colossae, a province of the Roman empire under the diabolical rule of Emperor Nero. If I’m wondering how to live my life in these troubled times, I have my instruction right here.
No matter the state of politics or the economy or a society paralyzed by virus, I must continue to live in a way that is rooted and built up in Jesus Christ. Rooted is a term from nature meaning to be firmly grounded, embedded, unable to move from. Built up is a term from construction meaning to increase, to rise upon a foundation. The interpretation is clear: I grow strong in faith when I keep my attention on Christ (which includes learning and applying the full revelation of Scripture because he is the Word; John 1:14).
In a hurricane of turmoil and persecution, deep roots and a strong edifice are necessary to survive. But Paul includes something unexpected – thankfulness. In fact, in this short letter Paul refers to thanksgiving and gratitude no less than seven times. A moment’s consideration and it becomes clear – the closer I get to Jesus the more I am overwhelmed by his love and grace, and the more my life is filled with purpose, meaning, and joy.
I want to overflow with thankfulness, and not just on Thanksgiving Day (though what a great day to pause and express gratitude in this strange year of 2020). Gratitude is key to a life well-lived, a life that pleases God. Here’s a tip I learned many years ago during a week at JH Ranch in California’s northern mountains. It’s a life health check boiled down to the acronym “G.O.D.” G = gratitude, O = obedience, D = dependence. If my days are unfruitful or I find myself gloomy, distracted, or just plain irritable, it’s often because I’m lacking one or more of the G.O.D. elements – failing to thank God, ignoring his instruction, and/or doing things my own way. How quickly, though, I can confess those departures to my Lord, receive his forgiveness, and be restored into the life he wants for me.
Paul has more to say: Colossians 3:15-17 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Father, please strengthen my faith, rooting me ever deeper in Christ and building my life on him. My heart is filled with gratitude for the hope you have given me through your Son.
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This week: As you prepare for Thanksgiving, read through Colossians and note Paul’s references to thanksgiving and gratitude. During the feast, share your observations with family and friends, pausing to offer thanks together to the God who loves you.
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