I’m still in Colossians, working through it little by little, leaning on sermon videos from Pastor John. My process has a steady rhythm—reading, listening, reflecting. Tonight, I’m studying in the quiet upstairs of my church, while the joyful chaos of AWANA and youth group rises up around me. My kids are elsewhere in the building, immersed in their own time of learning and fellowship, while I sit here with my Bible open, seeking to be rooted and built up in Christ myself.
In Chapter 2, Paul describes his mission as a “great struggle,” a deep labor for believers he’s never even met. He strives for them to be encouraged and united in love, shielded from deception. He’s keenly aware of how subtly people can drift toward teachings that promise much but deliver little apart from Christ.
The church in Colossae—and nearby Laodicea—had to be vigilant. Laodicea was a wealthy, self-sufficient city. That kind of comfort carried the risk of making faith feel like a surface-level label rather than a foundation. I see that same danger today. It’s only been a year since my baptism and I’m still passionate about building my relationship with Jesus, but I can see how easy it could be to settle into routine and let spiritual complacency take hold.
I’ve observed many Christians in my day who attend church on Sundays, yet it seems more out of habit than a true reflection of their faith. And more people still seem to wear Christianity like a fashion accessory, with no roots at all.
But, how am I living out my faith beyond Sunday mornings? Is my walk with Jesus deepening, or am I allowing complacency to creep in?
Colossians 2:6-7 —“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Paul is pointing out that just as we received Christ by faith, we must also continue to live by faith. It’s not a one-time decision—it’s a daily walk.
Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
Paul warns against the deception of human tradition and empty philosophies. And today, there are so many ’empty philosophies’ being worshipped: Moral Relativism, Self-Worship and Secular Humanism, New Age Spirituality, Postmodernism, Consumerism. In a world of competing voices and shifting ideologies, how can we ensure that we, and future generations, are rooted in Christ’s truth? How can we guard ourselves and others from these philosophies that threaten to lead us away from the sufficiency of Christ?
Colossians 2:9-10 —“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.”
Christ is not just a teacher or example—He is fully God, offering us the fullness of life. This fullness is marked by a transformation of the heart, symbolized through baptism, where we die with Christ and rise to new life. Am I living with the conviction that Christ is enough? Or am I seeking fulfillment in material possessions and the approval of others? Is my life showing evidence of new life in Christ, or are old habits still influencing my actions?
Final Thoughts:
In reflecting on Colossians 2, I’m reminded that living in Christ isn’t something that happens on autopilot. It’s a call to actively stand firm in the truth. I need to keep growing, keep myself rooted in the fullness of Christ, especially with all the distractions around me. Faith isn’t static—it’s a living, growing relationship that transforms every part of our lives.
How About You?
How do you keep your faith active beyond Sundays?
Ever feel complacent in faith? What pulls you back?
Who could you encourage to stay strong in faith?
Let me know what you think.