Freedom Calls

As a child of the one true God, saved by Grace and Faith in Jesus Christ, I am compelled to explore the profound truth that “Christ, who is our life.” (Colossians 3:4) 

This rich expression from Paul’s writings highlights the central reality of our Christian experience – Christ is not just an addendum to our lives; He is the source, sustenance, and solace of our very existence.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “What can the Christian feed upon but Jesus’ flesh and blood?” (Spurgeon, “The Bread of Life”). 

This statement drives home the reality that as believers, we are solely dependent on Christ for our spiritual nourishment. 

We cannot find fulfillment in worldly pursuits or temporary pleasures; rather, we must feast on the Word of God and draw strength from His presence. 

As Jesus Himself said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)

C.S. Lewis echoed this sentiment when he wrote, “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at the truth and you will get a good many other valuable things hanging on the line.” (Lewis, Mere Christianity) 

This wisdom reminds us that as we seek to draw closer to God, we are not only pursuing a higher calling but also reaping numerous blessings along the way. 

By aiming for heaven, we open ourselves up to experience the fullness of life that Christ promises. 

Paul wrote, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2-3)

A.W. Tozer emphasized the importance of having a correct understanding of who God is and what He has done for us. 

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is going to shape our prayers, and if our thinking is faulty, our prayers will be weak and futile.” (Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy) 

This quote serves as a reminder that our thoughts about God should align with Scripture, so that our prayers may be rich in faith and expectation. 

As David prayed, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

Watchman Nee highlighted the central reality of the Christian experience – our relationship with God. “The true Christian life is a life of fellowship with God.” (Nee, The Normal Christian Life) 

This statement reminds us that genuine Christianity is not about following a set of rules or adhering to certain doctrines but about knowing and being known by the One who created us. 

As Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4-5)

Finally, D.L. Moody exhorted us to set our hearts on things above, where Christ sits enthroned. 

“Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1) 

This exhortation encourages us to keep our focus on the eternal, heavenly realm and to resist the temptations and distractions of this world. 

Paul wrote, “For we are already united to Christ in his resurrection, and so our new life is hidden with him in God.” (Colossians 3:3)

As we reflect on the truth that “Christ, who is our life,” let us embrace His role as the source of our sustenance, the object of our devotion, the solace of our souls, and the exemplar of our lives. May we ever strive to live in fellowship with Him, that we might share in His victory and glory forevermore.

References:

Spurgeon, C. (n.d.). The Bread of Life. Retrieved from https://www.spurgeongems.com/sermons/51/speech1.asp

Lewis, C.S. (1943). Mere Christianity. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

Tozer, A.W. (1961). Knowledge of the Holy. New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers.

Nee, W. (1968). The Normal Christian Life. Westwood, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company.

Moody, D.L. (1895). Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing. Retrieved from https://www.godward.org/reading/mtb/tfm.htm

John 6:35 – “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’”

Colossians 3:2-3 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

John 15:4-5 – “Abide in me, and I in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

Colossians 3:1 – “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”

Colossians 3:3 – “For we are already united to Christ in his resurrection, and so our new life is hidden with him in God.”

Published on wwwjdilly.com, August 10, 2024.