So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Great gifts are sometimes given and we don’t always realize the complete benefit of them right away. I recently have been thinking about the training, discipline, and love a good father bestows on their children and how this benefits them. My father trained me in how to dedicate myself to serving others with my life. He poured himself into loving people through his actions. He used his network to benefit them. He corralled people to help them. And he served even when it was hard to serve. When my mom wrestled with cancer for over 5 years, he was faithfully by her side. He did not complain. He just showed up and served.

Now my father was flawed, just as I am flawed. And each of us are but a poor reflection of the love of God at times. Other times, we shine. But as a son, my father gave me good gifts that I benefit from to this day: how to persevere in hardship, dedication and loyalty, how to serve, how to love those around you, how to solve problems, etc.

Now compare this to the gift of Jesus Christ that God gave me and it is really no comparison at all. Jesus was perfectly kind, loving, humble, patient, gentle, just, gracious, defended the poor and oppressed, and he sacrificed all for my freedom from sin.

So Paul’s call here is to live the same character traits that Jesus has; the ones listed above and others that attracted me to him in the first place. I can only do this by daily dying to myself and my selfish interests. Then I can give God’s Spirit free reign to transform my heart and mind to live as Jesus did.

The result of receiving the gift of Jesus and his way of living each day is a life firmly planted, full of faith in God to protect and provide, and overflowing with thankfulness for all I have been given.

Lord, thank you for your truth which fills me each day. I desire to walk in your ways and keep your priorities and attitudes at the forefront of my mind. Cleanse my heart and refresh my mind to think of those good and pure things that you think of, Lord Jesus. I am yours fully today!