3 Powerful Life Lessons from Colossians

I have always loved Paul’s letters to the churches. Colossians is no exception. Here are some powerful lessons from that much loved book.

Jesus is Everything!

It’s easy to be overwhelmed in this world. There are competing philosophies and viewpoints about everything, it seems. Listen to these words about Jesus.

And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Colossians 1:17–20 (ESV)

I am at a loss for words when I read this. These are sublime and transformational words. There is no competition. Jesus Christ means everything. As his followers our lives must reflect that reality.

Our Lives Defined

What does it mean to be a Christian? Biblically, it more than a belief in a creed, or a moment of faith, or a public confession.

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Colossians 2:6–10 (ESV)

When I read this passage a few years ago, I recorded this reflection.

We live in Christ. Our lives are established and experienced in a daily commitment to follow his expressed leadership. He alone is the authority of our lives. He alone directs our paths. Earthly tradition and philosophy have no place in the life of a genuine follower of Jesus!

I still believe that today. It is easy to adopt the ways and traditions of the world and try to adapt our faith to those things. That is a danger we must avoid at all costs. We owe absolute and complete allegiance to Jesus and only to him.

Mindset

These three lessons are all similar in nature. Paul was not shy about repeating essential truth for his readers. We are all too prone to forgetfulness when it comes to spiritual realities.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1–3 (ESV)

I don’t want to be misinformed or uninformed so I pay attention to news reports of what is going on around me. However, in today’s world, it is too easy to become overwhelmed with despair. We live in unprecedented times. Too much of this world’s information can take our minds off of the things that are above. Focusing our minds on God’s priorities, mission and values helps us get things right.

There’s More

When you read Colossians, I challenge you to find more lessons, more encouragement and more transformation for your personal spiritual walk. Read it with prayer and see what God reveals to you.

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