"How to Walk in a Manner Worthy of the Lord" (Colossians 1:10-11)

In this passage, we're given the call for every Christ follower to live in a manner that's compatible to and in agreement with his or her identity with the Lord Jesus Christ! To accomplish this, we need power that transcends our natural ability. Our passage says, "So that you can walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience." In this passage, we're called to be everything Christ desires for us! We're called to be everything Christ has strengthened us to be! It is a great honor and privilege to live our lives in ways that honor the Lord! Allow me to suggest some key phrases from this passage that speaks of how we're to walk in a manner that's pleasing to the Lord. The phrases are: "bearing fruit," "increasing in", "strengthened with," and "steadfastness and patience." Please take note that all the phrases are in the continuous present tense and are suggestive of an on-going way of life! What does the phrase "bearing fruit" mean? It points us to the work of the Holy Spirit and the fruit (character qualities of Christ) that He brings forth within us. These qualities will begin to manifest in our lives as we exercise a moment by moment dependence upon the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit is at work within us moving us from no fruit, to fruit, to even more fruit. What about "increasing in the knowledge of God?" The spiritual growth of the Christ follower is not possible without this knowledge. Peter tells us, "Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation" (1 Peter 2:2). Spiritual growth is measured by a strong desire for God's Word. Walking in a manner pleasing to the Lord requires being "strengthened with all power." With everything we must contend with in this world system, we're reminded that we can't depend on our own ability or resources. In Ephesians 6:10, Paul reminds us, "Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might." In this life, we're faced with pain, sickness and disease, financial loss, departure of loved ones, temptations, persecutions, and weaknesses. This is where "steadfastness and patience" brings pleasure to the Lord! Be encouraged!