Our Life's Goal

"We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." - Colossians 1:9-14

Paul framed the successful Christian life for the Colossians and all Christians really. It goes far beyond just trying to be a better person. It starts with seeking Spiritual wisdom and understanding. That is wisdom and understanding - call it a Christian world view, if you like - that finds its roots in being submitted to the Spirit of God. Like Paul wrote in Romans - that we offer ourselves as a living sacrifice - which means that we are not living for ourselves but for God and that life is a spiritual one enabled by the Spirit of God who seals us for heaven and guides us in all spiritual truth. 

Living in a way that is pleasing to God. And how might that be? The only way that we can please God is by faith and not works. Where our primary devotion is to Him. Devoting our lives - heart, soul, mind, and strength to God.

Our lives bearing Spiritual fruit. Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Those characteristics in the Christian life that are manifested through an abiding relationship with the Spirit of God and steadfast faith in Jesus. The fruit of the Spirit is a demonstration of Who is at the root of our lives. 

"I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20

And as we live our lives in this manner, we grow in spiritual knowledge. It changes the way we live and do. It is not something that we are really aware of until we pause, now and again, and look. It is kind of like aging. I recently posted a collage of pictures as the background on my computer screen of Martie and me. The pictures probably represent a span of about 20 years - less than half of the time that we have been married - but enough time to see how age has crept in and changed the way we look. That is not something you notice day to day - but you see it after a few years when you compare where you are to where you were. It is similar to our spiritual maturity. We don't see it - but we are not, or should not be, the same as we were 5 or 10 years ago.  Our spiritual understanding has deepened. The way we respond to life has changed. 

More and more, like Paul mentioned to the Colossians, we demonstrate endurance and patience in life. But it mostly transparent to us. I mentioned to Martie that we are not aware of how others see us - but I can see how they respond to us. My hope is that it is because of our demonstrated faith. How we are living our life out.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

The last point Paul made was that we are to be thankful. Not so much because God answered our prayers the way we wanted Him to, but that God listens to us as His children and is faithful to give us what we need. Our condition for loving God is not that He gives us everything we want. 

Oh, that we could be like the Colossian church. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone