Graduation

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7, The Message.

Caroline and I are reading through The Message in our quiet times this year. So far I would give the translation mixed reviews. This passage in particular stood out to me in our reading this morning. As someone who grew up in the Church, and who can't really even remember a time when I wasn't somehow aware of God, I feel like this passage is speaking to me.

I've received Christ Jesus. I do want to trust him to lead me in my life decisions. Over the last twenty-nine years, I've learned from many different spiritual leaders and mentors, including my parents. I've pursued a relationship with Christ for many of these years through hearing, reading, studying, occasionally memorizing, and meditating on Scripture, spending time in prayer, worshiping God through music and service to others. Some of that was on my own, and some of that was carried out in community with others. I have some roots, and I hope some are deep. I know my way around the faith. And now I must do what I've been taught.

I've learned a lot over the years, and I've experienced a lot. But I am challenged by the seeming urgency of this phrase: “Now do what you've been taught.” I've put in a lot of study time, and I've often made excuses about not living it. I do want to be a life-long learner, but what good is it to only learn and never put into practice?

My feelings of inadequacy ebb and flow, but sometimes I know that I have something to offer—something to contribute. Following Jesus continues to impact my life, and I think people need a chance to know and follow him, too.

Enough sitting around already. Let's start living!