So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude. Colossians 2:6-7
When we become a Christian, our lives change forever. We have new life in Christ and begin a relationship with him. Some believe that a relationship with him just means coming to church, Bible study, and serving. But Jesus said that we can have abundant life in him and that means going deeper in a relationship with him.
What does going deeper in a relationship with Jesus look like, and how are we to embrace it?
Walk in him… Once we become a Christian, receiving Christ Jesus as Lord, it is just the beginning. Now the transformation process begins and will continue for the rest of our lives. This is the process of becoming like Christ and there is no way we can become like Christ unless we are walking in him.
As Pastor Jim said during The Jesus Way series, when we walk in him, we step where he steps and learn to live and love like him. This is the only way to go deeper into a relationship with Jesus. He is so much a part of our lives and everything we think, say, or do is filtered through him. As we walk the Jesus Way, we become aligned with Him and are transformed by Him. Our lives begin to look more and more like Him, in every area. As Christ followers, if we are completely devoted to Him, it will be seen in our relationships and other interactions with people, as well as in our words. Living the Jesus Way means that we are completely devoted to representing Him in every way, reflecting his glory and His love and pointing others to Him.
Grow up in him… When we walk in him we will fill ourselves with more of Him, making spending time with Him a priority. Praying, studying, and bringing Him into every part of our lives will help us grow up in him. Take every opportunity to learn all about him and what it means to be a disciple. Find a discipleship partner – someone you can talk with, grow with, and find accountability.
Respond to him with a life of gratitude… When we are in a deep relationship with the Lord, we are rooted in him, built up in him and established in the faith. These roots and established faith help us face anything and always respond to him with a life of gratitude no matter what. A true deep relationship with him results in faith – and a life of gratitude - that is not dependent on circumstances, test results, full bank accounts, or anything else but him and his love for us. We will become mature in our faith so that we can truly live a life of gratitude in all things.
Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
A mature faith can still give thanks in difficult times because we are walking in him and have grown up in him. We are abiding in him, and he is our refuge. We know we can trust him because we know him.
