You Are Under Construction
Do you ever feel like a mess, as if you don't have it all together?
After having received Jesus Christ, Paul wanted the new believers in Colossae to learn what it means to walk (or live their lives) in Him. Paul didn’t want them to get sidetracked, ripped off, and tangled up by arguments that were “reasonable” (vs.4) but unhelpful. His greatest desire was for them to live their lives in step with their Savior.
Understand that you are rooted in Christ.
Paul used two metaphors to explain what it means to continue to walk in Jesus. The first metaphor of their faith in Christ was to be “rooted” in Christ. Using an agricultural metaphor of plant growth, Paul reminded them that the basis of their faith, the life that would propel them forward, was found in Jesus. Christ was the source of their strength, spiritual vitality, and ability to please God. He was under the surface in their spiritual lives, nourishing them and helping them to become all that God had for them.
While you are rooted in Christ, you are also being built up and established as a believer.
The second metaphor, “built up and established” is a construction metaphor. Christ is the foundation for all believers. Belief in Him, reliance upon Him, and relationship with Him is the foundation of our faith. Paul calls Jesus the “chief cornerstone” in Ephesians 2:20. It’s important to note that being “built up” is in the present tense. This emphasizes the ongoing construction that is taking place as we let God continue the work he has started in Christ.
It’s encouraging to remember that each of us have a “construction zone” sign over our lives. God is actively working on our hearts, building us up, and forming something new in our hearts. We can become discouraged when struggles come, when we lose personal battles over sin, and we find ourselves falling back into old habits. Be encouraged! Christ is living in you, rebuilding your life, and He is your hope of glory (Col 1:27).
Written by Carrie Botkin
Carrie Botkin is the Campus Director at the Scripps Ranch Campus and a member of the Lead Team at Newbreak. She loves adventuring around San Diego with her husband, Matt, two kids and their pug named Marshmallow. Carrie has been on staff at Newbreak for 21 years. She believes in the mission, vision and values of Newbreak and loves seeing lives changed through Jesus!