Many Christians have been indoctrinated with the worldly notion, “to be in the in-crowd, you must have this hair style, the right shoes, the right car, and the latest baggy this, that, or the other”. That’s right, the world says, “you must have all of these things to be part of the upper crust of society”. Over time, most learn to balance what they really need against a life-time of multiplied wants—however, some remain susceptible to the “I want this” and “I need this” attitude. Hopefully, bible study, time, and maturity will assist the inexperienced in balancing things wanted versus things actually needed.
Lest we are watchful and attentive, even the faithful will succumb to the love of the world and its things (1 John 2:15-17). The apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossian brethren, admonished them to remain “…rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:7). His desire for these brethren was for them to understand that by sinking their roots down deep in Jesus they would be forever nourished by the Truth. Just as advertisers of worldly products and ideas desire to add us to their marketing lists, there are also peddlers of false doctrine who will “…cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). With your roots in Christ, the winds of false doctrine will have no adverse effect on your spirituality. Truthfully, you have no other spiritual need, for “…in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power” (Colossians 2:9-10). Yes, those who are in Christ have it all. Paul further advised, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2). As His obedient children, we must rise above the mundane things of this world and focus our lives on Jesus, who now sits in the position of honor. There is no doubt the desire for this present world and its things will distort our vision, causing spiritual blindness. But, those who are raised up with Him understand the need to remain rooted and fixed in the good place, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).
Then how should we walk? Paul declared “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Colossians 2:6). By doing so, we will one day bask in the light of His eternal glory; “When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).
In time, God will send His son to give “.. eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality” (Romans 2:7). Yes, those in Christ Jesus have it all.
Are you living your life in the light of His abundant promises?