Alive in Christ

Thankfulness

Colossians 2:6-7 "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." 

When we are truly thankful it is hard to be selfish, conceited, self-reliant, or proud.  Humility, gratitude, joy, peace, and God-reliance is what a truly thankful heart starts with and also produces.  We can't understand and accept the gift of salvation if we aren't thankful.

ALIVE

Colossians 2:13-14 "When you were dead in your sins...God made you alive with Christ.  He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross."

We have been given fullness in Christ according to verse 10.  We are alive and we have hope because of Christ.  Because of what Jesus did at the cross, we have the right to become children of God.  All we have to do is accept what He did for us and trust in him (John 1:12)!  No longer are we held to Old Testament law.  Man's rules mean nothing - even if they seem to have wisdom in them.  We are free in Christ.

HIS

Colossians 3:1-4 "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

We are to be heavenly minded.  If we are God's then our life is his.  Our minds are his, our hands are his, our hearts are his, our eyes are his, our feet are his.... We are to do everything for the glory of God.  No longer are we our own.  What a relief!  Now, let's start acting like it.