Read Colossians 1. Do you know what hope is? It’s not wishful thinking; it is our full confidence and assurance in Christ that leads to greater trust, faith and love. Hope is one reason for us to be grateful. It anticipates and looks forward to the future, because we have hope in Christ.
Obedience is linked to hope, because it submits to what God requires of us. Obedience recognizes authority and direction from others, such as the pastor and counselor. When obedience and hope link together, we are able to serve the Lord with joy and be a light to others as we hope and obey.
Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, and supplies our hope so we can be obedient and faithful.
Colossians 1:3-6 says: “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth…”
Think about the descriptors in this passage: faith, hope, love, truth and fruit. What a beautiful, inspiring picture of life in Christ! God is the one who gives us all we need. The question is, do you see these traits in your life? How is God’s hope, love and truth creating faith and fruit in your life?
These characteristics are beautiful gifts from God, and if we are seeking after him, we will continue to grow into his likeness. We are all called to bear fruit and if we do not, something is very wrong in us. Either we are not regenerated, or we are in disobedience. When we have joy and gratitude in Christ, we will produce fruit.
God delights in us when we trust and obey him, and his ways are good and perfect. Let us strive toward obedience and faith, loving others, living in hope of Christ, sharing the truth and serving the Lord. How can you embody these characteristics today?
Check out an earlier post by Dr. Richard Krejcir here.