THE VERSE
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
~Colossians 1:9-10
THE THOUGHT
In this passage, Paul tells how he constantly is praying for the church in Colossae, that their knowledge and wisdom and understanding of the things of God would increase and deepen. But it his motivation for doing so that we will focus on today. He says that he prays “asking that you may be filled with knowledge… so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” Do you realize what this means? Knowledge matters! Doctrine matters! Theology is important! The point of spiritual knowledge is that we would be conformed more to the image of the Son, pleasing Him with our lives. Our knowledge and understanding of God is the foundation upon which a life of godliness is built.
Do you want to live a life that is fully pleasing to the Lord? Do not neglect your study of His word or of theology; pursue a fuller knowledge of Him for the sake of becoming more like Him. Take advantage of the wealth of rich theology books that God has blessed His Church with, and start including the wisdom of men and women who have gone deep with God as a consistent part of your own walk with God. And through the whole process, keep this glorious goal in mind: walking in a manner worthy of the Lord, increasing daily in your intimate knowledge and familiarity with the God who in love has revealed Himself to us.
THE PRAYER
Lord, Forgive me for spurning knowledge of You and for neglecting to take full advantage of my open access to Your throne. I confess that far too often I am content with a surface-skimming knowledge of Your love and character, and thereby cheat myself of the deep joys that come only through deep exploration of the infinite riches of Your grace. So draw me deeper, Lord; make me discontent with the shallowness of my walk with You, and by Your Holy Spirit awaken in me a desire to be fully pleasing to You as I seek Your face more.
EXTENDED READING
John 17:13-17
Colossians 1:9-13
1 Timothy 1:3-11
THE QUOTE
“From my many years experience I can unhesitatingly say that the cross bears those who bear the cross.” ~Sadhu Sundar Singh
This post is written by Brendan Beale, author of Cross Connections