Reflecting on Colossians 2:6: "As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him,"
Our Identity in Christ
The apostle Paul’s exhortation in Colossians 2:6 reminds believers of the profound transformation that occurs the moment we receive Christ Jesus as Lord. This verse calls us to recognize not only the initial acceptance of Christ but also the ongoing journey of living in Him. Our identity is no longer defined by our past or our own efforts but by the presence of Jesus within us.
To "walk in him" means to live daily in conscious relationship with Christ, allowing His life to shape our thoughts, actions, and purpose. It is a call to embrace the new nature given to us through faith, where we are rooted and grounded in His love, grace, and truth.
- We are children of God, adopted into His family.
- We are new creations, made alive in Christ.
- We are recipients of grace, not by works but by faith.
- We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live godly lives.
- We are ambassadors of Christ, called to reflect His character.
Our Mission as Followers of Christ
Walking in Christ is more than a private experience; it carries with it a mission to represent Him in the world. Paul’s instruction urges us to move beyond mere belief into active discipleship. This means embodying Christ’s love, humility, and truth in every interaction, becoming living testimonies of His transformative power.
When we walk in Him, our lives become a beacon of hope and light in a world often shadowed by despair. Our mission is to extend the invitation of salvation to others, demonstrating through our deeds and words the reality of the kingdom of God.
Walking in Christ is both a privilege and a responsibility, calling us to continual growth and faithfulness.
"As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him." – Colossians 2:6 (WEB)
This verse encourages believers not to settle for a one-time acceptance of Christ but to pursue an ongoing, dynamic walk with Him. It challenges us to examine how our daily lives reflect the Lord we have received, urging consistency between our faith and our actions.
Historically, the early church faced many pressures to conform to surrounding cultures and philosophies. Paul's letter to the Colossians addressed these challenges by reaffirming the sufficiency of Christ and the necessity of living out that reality. Today, this message remains vital as we navigate cultural shifts and personal challenges.
In practical terms, walking in Christ involves cultivating spiritual disciplines like prayer, scripture meditation, fellowship, and service. These practices nurture our connection to Him and equip us to live out His mission effectively.
Ultimately, Colossians 2:6 invites us into a lifelong journey where our identity shapes our mission, and our mission reinforces our identity. As we walk in Christ, we become living reflections of His glory, impacting the world around us for His kingdom.