Walking in Him

“Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him.” (Colossians 2:6 CSB)

One of Paul’s favorite metaphors for describing a Christian’s relationship with Christ is the phrase “in Christ.” What does it mean to be saved? It means to be “in Christ.” It means to have a personal, faith-based relationship with Jesus. And, one of Paul’s great metaphors for living the Christian life is in the word “walk.” The lifestyle someone follows is referred to as his or her “walk.” Thus, when Paul says to “walk in Him,” he means that on the basis of our personal, faith-based relationship with Jesus as Lord, we need to follow a lifestyle that reflects that relationship to the world. Moreover, we need to continually do this and not be deceived by anything or anyone is changing courses. Our walk is with Jesus.

Paul uses several verbs to describe how we can do this. The first one is “rooted.” Plants can grow only as high as their root system will allow them. The plants are dependent on the roots for nourishment that sustains life. Thus, to be rooted in Him means to grow deeply in our relationship with Jesus.

“Built up” is another word that describes our relationship with Jesus. The military speaks of “build ups.” Organizations speak of monetary “build ups” to provide a stronger cash flow. Any organization that looks toward strengthening itself wants to build itself up. So, building up our relationship with the Lord means to strengthen our relationship with Him.

Another word that describes how to keep on walking with Jesus is “established.” Something that is established is something that exists and has a history. It’s been there a while, and by all appearances, it will stay there. A house is established. A business is established. A government is established. And our faith in Jesus is established.

Then a fourth word Paul uses to describe how we can walk in the Lord is “overflowing.” We overflow with thanksgiving to Him for all He has done for us. That creates a bond of gratitude, a sense of indebtedness to Him. When we are overflowing with gratitude toward to the Lord, we are not likely to turn away from Him or try to live life on our own.

Thus, we keep on walking in the Lord when we are rooted in Him, built up in Him, established in our faith in Him, and overflowing with thankfulness toward Him.

Lord, Help us today to be faithful in all the ways we relate to You, so that You will be honored through our lives in this world. Amen.