Something to Think About – 2021.07.16

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 2:9-10

There are folks out there who believe the early church did not believe Jesus was God incarnate. Today I give you proof positive that they did. Notice that Paul is clearly stating that the fullness of “deity” dwells in Jesus. Even if you believe that the authorship of this letter was a student of Paul, it is clear that the next generation (sometime in the mid-1st century, believes in Christ’s deity.

What is wonderful about this text is the second half of the sentence. Through the Holy Spirit, we have been filled with the deity of Christ, and therefore intimately connected with God. It doesn’t mean we are deities, but we have this incredible connection with him. Consequently, we carry the sublime responsibility to live and work on his behalf, bringing forth his authority into the world to share the good news of the kingdom.

Do you ponder this when you begin your day? Do you understand that when you walk out the door into the world, you bear the responsibility and gift of being faithfully present in their midst?

When I worked in the “real” world, I would leave the house in the morning, understanding that I represented my Lord, my family, and myself (in that order) at work. People would occasionally ask me what makes me tick, and then I would share (see 1 Peter 3:15). One day while eating lunch, a named Manny mentioned that my approach at work seemed different, so he asked me about it. I answered. He started to argue this but quickly realized that how I carried myself in my daily walk did seem to reflect these values; he quickly relented.

When I announced that I was leaving the company to go to seminary, the news moved through the company like wildfire. Pretty much every call or conversation included statements from my colleagues reflecting the same thing: “We are shocked, but not surprised.” They would explain that they were shocked that I was doing it but not surprised at what I was heading off to do.” Why? They could see the hope that was in me, the ethics I exhibited, and the respect I demonstrated toward everyone regardless of status. And when asked, I never shied away from sharing my faith in Christ in a non-confrontation and respectful way.

Today I challenge you to think about the beautiful responsibility you have to carry the divine and living Christ into the world every day. Can you start the day with every intention of being faithfully present to others?

It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.

Francis of Assisi