Swaying and Standing

Colossians 1:24-2:7
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7).

Christianity is a dynamic faith, fluid enough to meet the challenges of each succeeding generation of believers, yet solid enough to withstand the ebb and flow of history. This dynamism in part allows Paul to speak of both the presence of Jesus Christ in the life of the Colossian congregation, the faith that has been taught to them in particular, and the need for them to abound in thanksgiving, as well as the call for all believers to stand firmly rooted and built up in Christ, to be “established in the faith” (Colossians 1:7). Faith in Christ can be shared, can draw out a profound response, can guide lives and shape individual communities. But it also transcends the powers of the world and creates a secure and lasting structure. I think of it this way: the largest of buildings must sway in the wind to avoid breaking apart, but they must also have a solid foundation lest they topple over.

One of the great challenges we face as people of faith is learning when to sway and to when to stand firm. It is not an easy task and when the church has been most fragmented it is because it has chosen the wrong strategy for the time. When this happens we must go about the business of regrouping, of focusing once again on God’s will, and on living into the call we have received. Then we can learn once more when to sway and when to stand.

Prayer: Lord, you alone are our strength, and you alone are our guide in life. Help us to know what is needed that we may serve you fully and faithfully. Amen.