Listen

So live in Christ Jesus the Lord in the same way as you received him. Be rooted and built up in him, be established in faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught.

Colossians 2:6–7

Think

Trees, towers, and tumblers — what could these three items possibly have in common with each other? Much less, what could they have to do with following Jesus?

Colossians uses each one to picture fearlessly following Christ. First, we are rooted in Christ. Just like a tree’s roots stretch deep underground to draw nourishment and anchor it through the toughest storms, our connection with Jesus brings life and stability to replace fear. Second, we are built up. This idea complements the previous one; as our roots grow deeper, our lives build higher. Towers might not seem to have much to do with tree roots, but if you’ve ever seen the skyscrapers of New York or Chicago, you know that their foundations reach deep underground. And third, as our roots and our reach both grow, we overflow with thanksgiving. Why? Because this fearless life is poured into us as a gift. We live in Christ Jesus the same way we received him—freely given through God’s love.

Joshua Hays

Pray

Jesus, you are my Lord. Thank you for giving your life freely to me as a gift. Now, would you help me to sink roots deeply in you, to reach up and out to others with your love, and to overflow with gratitude for the gifts you have given? Amen.

Go

May you go to face the day free from fear, rooted and established in the love of Christ and empowered by the Creator’s good gift of the Holy Spirit.

May love and truth meet in your thoughts, words, and actions this day.

Amen.