The Place to Be #69

 Colossians 2:6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Every so often, as he wrote, Paul would pause to give a brief summary of what he had said so far. He and Timothy had heard of the great faith and love which had been demonstrated by this church. Now they wanted to hear that they were continuing to grow in and walk by that faith - that Christ would be exalted more and more in their worship and their lives.  Paul had laid a strong foundation in his ministry there, and others had invested in leading and teaching them.  Their church was like a tree well-planted and cared for; now it was time to see some maturity and fruit.  One of the most obvious signs of fruitfulness in our Christian walk is thanksgiving - an outward expression of the gratitude we have towards Christ for all He has done for us and given us.  When that thanksgiving is lacking, our love, gratitude, and adoration for Christ might be waning; we might actually be lowering Him from the exalted position of which He is worthy.  This summary stop is a place for self-examination, both individually and as a church body: Are we keeping Christ in the proper place for our faith, love, and worship? May our hearts sing: "More love to thee, O Christ."