Have you ever felt like you were living a life that is not
truly yours? Have you ever tried to be someone else just to please others or
fit in with a certain group? The world we live in is filled with pressure to
conform and to be someone we're not. But as followers of Christ, we are called
to live a life of authenticity, centered on Him. Today, we will look at
Colossians 1:6-9 to discover how we can live a Christ-centered life of
authenticity.
Be Rooted in the Gospel
In Colossians 1:6, Paul writes, "All over the world
this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you
since the day you heard it and truly understood God's grace." As
believers, we must be rooted in the gospel, understanding and believing in the
grace that God has bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ. When we are rooted in
the gospel, we have a firm foundation on which to build our lives of
authenticity. We no longer have to live in fear of judgment or rejection from
others because our identity is secure in Christ.
Seek the Holy Spirit's Guidance
In Colossians 1:9, Paul writes, "We continually ask God
to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and
understanding that the Spirit gives." As we seek to live a life of
authenticity, we must seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He is our source of
wisdom and understanding, and He will lead us on the path of righteousness.
When we surrender to the Holy Spirit's guidance, we no longer have to rely on
our own understanding or the opinions of others.
Bear Fruit Worthy of Christ
In Colossians 1:10, Paul writes, "so that you may live
a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every
good work, growing in the knowledge of God." When we live a
Christ-centered life of authenticity, we bear fruit worthy of Christ. Our lives
become a reflection of His love, grace, and mercy. We no longer have to strive
to please others or earn their approval because we are already pleasing the
Lord. We grow in the knowledge of God and become more like Christ every day.
Let us live a life of authenticity, rooted in the gospel,
seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and bearing fruit worthy of Christ.
When we live a Christ-centered life of authenticity, we will experience true
freedom and joy. We no longer have to live for the approval of others because
we are already approved by the only One who matters, Jesus Christ. Let us
surrender to Him today and live a life that is truly our own, a life that
brings glory to His name. Amen.