Friday, July 18, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Colossians 2:6–15

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a spiritual circumcision, by putting off the body of the flesh in the circumcision of Christ; when you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it. (NRSV)

Reflection

Living a life “alive in Christ” sounds both incredibly fulfilling and challenging.

This passage highlights how meaningful living a life like Jesus can be. Caring for and about others. Taking care of my friends who are ill. Helping my family members who are struggling. Putting their needs ahead of my own, which can be so satisfying.

Yet I know I am often distracted by the realities of this world, focusing on money and power and status and influence. I often let my ego rule the day, rather than putting Christ at the center of my life, truly appreciating all he sacrificed, thereby forgiving all our sins.

Prayer

Dear Creator God, thank you! Thank you for the incredible gift of your Son, Jesus, for sending him to teach us what is really important in life, to strive to live a Christ-centered life.  

Help me when instead I honor earthly gods. Remind me to give generously and unselfishly to others as Jesus did during his life and through his death on the cross. 

Please help me to live a life full of the spirit, overcoming my human frailties. In Jesus’ name, I offer this prayer. Amen.

Written by Ed Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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