Day 279

Jeremiah 6:16–8:7; Colossians 2:8-23; Psalm 78:1-31; Proverbs 24:26

IN OUR READING from Colossians today, the apostle Paul illuminated our true reality. According to Paul, those of us who have put our faith in Christ have no reality outside of Jesus. Everything that came before this relationship has died and no longer has any claim over us.

“In Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body,” Paul told us (Colossians 2:9). Any philosophy that would lead us away from this reality isn’t reality at all, according to Paul. Restoration, wholeness, and true identity can only be found in our union with Jesus.

Of course, we know these things as believers. They are essential precepts of the Christian faith. But is this the reality we are living in? Anything that would erode our union with Jesus is false and will only lead us into a false reality. Put this starkly, we begin to see that a fragmented life is a choice we make. The gospel offers us a different reality altogether —one in which we are continually being made new and whole. In our own lives, are we building man-made dreams or living an inspired life intertwined with the God who created all things?

The gift of salvation gives us a new reality and changes our entire existence. We are given permission —and are expected —to regard ourselves as the beloved children of God. This is the reality that our souls long for —and the reality that faith in Jesus offers us.

MEDITATION:

An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.