Walk Ye In Him

The fact that Paul loved the church of Christ is seen throughout his writings.  Many times he showed his love and concern by encouraging brethren to behave as Christ desires.  Sometimes he was able to visit personally with congregations, while at other times he was unable to do so.  That did not stop Paul from taking the time to write letters of instruction and comfort.  One of those times is mentioned in the book of Colossians.  Paul wrote, “For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.  For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ” (Col. 2:1-5).  Paul did not let physical locations keep him from his work as an apostle.

Continuing in his letter, Paul took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of remaining faithful to the Lord.  He continued, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him” (Col. 2:6).  The brethren had already obeyed the Gospel, but they needed to make sure that they did not leave the Lord.  Peter warned about the dangers of such when he wrote, “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Pet. 2:20-22).  All Christians have to be alert to the possibility of becoming unfaithful.  Even Paul himself knew that it could happen to him.  When writing to the church at Corinth, he mentioned, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection:  lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (1 Cor. 9:27).  Therefore, Paul gave the Colossian brethren some inspired instruction.

Walking in the Lord is not something unattainable.  While many make excuses for their unfaithfulness, we can live faithful lives if we so choose.  The angel of the church in Smyrna was instructed, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer:  behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days:  be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).  Jesus would not have commanded for faithfulness if were not possible.  The writer of Hebrews, which many believe was Paul, emphasized “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.  But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.  For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end” (Heb. 3:12-14).  This idea was taught to those in Colosse as well.  In order to remain faithful, the brethren needed to be “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding with thanksgiving” (Col. 2:7).  Also, they needed to “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Col. 2:8).  Walking in the Lord requires diligence and perseverance.

What about those us who are Christians today?  How faithful are we living?  If Jesus were to return right now, would we be found faithful or unfaithful (Matt. 25:14-30)?  Are we truly walking in Him?  What about if a person is not a Christian?  Then, he needs to obey the Gospel as soon as possible!  After that, he needs to do as each Christian should.  He needs to walk in him until the very end.
~ Corey Barnette