We are greatly influenced by the world around us. The people, events, and circumstances in our lives are the building blocks that shape our identity. The way we see ourselves affects our behavior and our resultant attitude. The Apostle Paul provides a helpful corrective as he informs us that we must formulate our identity by believing what God says is true about us. Paul’s message to the Colossians enabled them to understand their identity in Christ and the implications of the indwelling Christ:

Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, (Colossians 2:6)

The word walk is a present tense imperative that signifies a habitual walk or way of life. How do people receive Christ Jesus as Lord? It is through faith. How are you to walk or live the Christian life? It is through faith. This does not imply a “let go and let God mentality”. On the contrary, Paul reveals our responsibility toward spiritual growth in the next verse:

having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. (Colossians 2:7)

The verb, firmly rooted, is in the perfect tense indicating that this is a completed action with ongoing effects for the future. We have been rooted in Christ at salvation with the result that we continue to be grounded in Christ since nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul now turns from an agricultural metaphor to a building metaphor. The term, built up, literally means to build upon something that has already been built. We have a responsibility to be built up and established in Him through faith. This is a present tense verb that signifies a continuous, ongoing process. In what ways are you being built up and established in your faith? The word established means to make firm or reliable so as to warrant security and inspire confidence.

The result of being built up in Christ is a life overflowing with gratitude. Are you a thankful person? The sad reality is ungrateful people don’t get better. If we are to grow in godliness we must be grateful people, giving thanks in all things. As we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of God, we will experience a fullness of life in Christ:

and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over every ruler and authority; (Colossians 2:10)

Our identity in Christ enables us to experience life as it was meant to be. Do you feel inadequate at times? Don’t let the enemy allow you to become discouraged. Too many people settle for the shadow of God when they can experience Him in His fullness. Your identity in Christ enables you to live a Christ centered life and rise above your circumstances.

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University