(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Colossians 1:27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you.
Read the above verse again slowly. Here, the Apostle Paul is communicating something which, when understood in full, drastically changes how a Christian lives their life for Christ.
In his devotional book titled, Restoration Year, counselor and author John Eldredge notes that too often, Christians try to imitate Christ by “…doing their best to live as he did.” But as Paul notes in Colossians, the Christian life is not about trying to “do your best” to live as Jesus did. It’s to recognize that Christ lives in you. He is the one transforming you from the inside out. Your role is to accept His invitation to live through you, allowing His life to become your life.
This means that as you read through the Gospels, it’s important to pay close attention to exacly how Jesus lived. Not one who wielded a sword, but one who surrendered Himself to His heavenly father. Not one who did everything others wanted Him to do, but one who spent time with His heavenly father in order to discern where God was sending Him next.
READING & PRAYERS:
COLOSSIANS 1:24-2:5 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: Are you more likely to “do your best” to live as Jesus lived, or to surrender to His will and allow His life to become your life?
DIGGING DEEPER: What is one area of your life you’re currently struggling to fully surrender over to God? Why do you think it’s such a struggle for you to surrender it to Him?
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I live in a culture which regularly communicates the importance of “doing your best.” While I do desire to live as You lived, I recognize that too often I’ve attempted to do this in my own strength instead of accepting Your invitation to transform me by Your strength. Continue to mold me more and more into Your image. May Your light be evident through my words and deeds today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence.)
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