Christ Living in Me
"Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me."1
Paul wrote to the Colossians, "I rejoice in what I am suffering" (Colossians 1:24). Can you imagine saying the same thing? It's a difficult statement to make, and much harder to fulfill day in and day out. In fact, it would be impossible for us to achieve this in our own strength.
The apostle could have such an attitude only because he relied on the power of Christ, which is also possible for us. We can try to walk the life of faith with our own efforts, but we do not succeed. Christ himself said to his disciples: "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
To experience a healthy spiritual life, it is essential to recognize that power has nothing to do with us, it comes from Christ in us. Our salvation is God's work, as is every part of our sanctification for the rest of mortality. The Lord not only transforms us, but He also gives us the power to obey and serve Him when we trust Him. Paul understood how our responsibility and God's power intersect, and it's important for us to understand that too. In verse 29 of today's passage, he put it this way: "To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me."
Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, today I want to thank you that the power with which I face problems comes not from me, but from Christ living in me. Thank You, Lord, that You renew my mind and my heart to obey and serve You. Lord, I want to abide in you to bear much fruit, and that everything may be for your honor and your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
1. Colossians 1:24-29 (NIV).
Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.