In Celebrate Recovery we talk a lot about turning our life and will over to the care of God. Significant life change doesn’t seem to happen until we take Principle 3-Step 3. And even after we give our life to Jesus, living in his will is another thing altogether. That was my story; I gave my life to Jesus at 24 but not my will, it took another 10 years wallowing in self-pity, despair and addiction before I really started to surrender my will to him. Some could argue that I never really gave my life to Jesus if I couldn’t turn my will over to him, but those kinds of judgments are best left between the individual and God, our most merciful God.
The verse from Colossians is one of my favorites as it encourages us to let God take residence in our hearts and minds and live to the fullness that is Christ. It doesn’t say Christ demands we know his word and it doesn’t say he will visit us once in a while and promise us the riches of this world. Jesus wants us not because we are good but because we are loved, not because we are perfect but perfectly imperfect, not because he promises the riches of this world but the riches of a forever life with Him. I can’t think of a better Christmas gift than sharing the word of Christ, which richly dwells in us, to our family and friends, our church, our community, and the world. Living out what God puts in is the purpose of a life filled with Jesus.
God loves you, Jesus died for you, His spirit lives in you! Say Yes to Jesus!
Peace be with you!
