Progression. Colossians 2:7. When we walk with Christ, God empowers us to be rooted like a strong tree in our faith and built up like a beautiful building in our testimony. That is how a scripturally gathered New Testament church should be. As faith grows and becomes established in God’s people, there will be many reasons for thanksgiving. “Word” and “work” go hand in hand. By itself, knowing the Word can give a sense of superiority and smug complacency because we think we know pretty much all there is to know about the Bible. Work is powerless and futile unless it is focused on some purpose, controlled by, guided by, and following the teaching of the Word of God.
Fierce winds are opposing those believers in Christ who are committed to living a life of faith. People in the world see it as very impractical because many things oppose the standards of the Bible and Christianity. How can living according to God’s holy standards, the law, and the Ten Commandments make any real sense today? You need to be much more tactical and “go with the flow.” “If you are going to get anywhere today, you have got to change and be like the majority of people. You don’t want to make them uncomfortable if they come to ‘church.’ You have to accept them as they are, and don’t be so strict.”
But when one's life is deeply rooted in the word of God and there is trust in the Lord, that establishes a believer in the truth. No matter what opposition arises or ill winds blow, we have our roots and faith in Christ alone. Throughout our lives, many things will tempt us to yield to temptation. Some will come from within, others from people whose desire is to hinder our growth in faith, which many might deem as intolerant or bigoted. By paying attention to teachings from trusted teachers and reading the scriptures personally, we progress in life in the things that matter.
It is my duty to thank God for every blessing I have received and every situation I find myself in. I will see that He provides strength in my daily walk, and those deep roots of faith that cause me to grow will keep me from sinning. The life of a Christian should be a consistent walk despite what happens around me or what the world demands from me. That kind of life is fruitful as we are built up in Him, grow in faith, and mature. Each day offers opportunities to glorify God if we take them. We cannot do this alone; we need God in all things. We are strengthened and built up by faith. The false things around us that try to claim us fade away in the bright light of God's grace.
Our commitment as believers is clear when we "so walk" as pilgrims passing through this world, obeying God's call and not seeking to settle here on earth as our permanent home. Pilgrims look for a better land with their God-given far vision. We are to "walk in Him" by faith, acknowledging our faith until we die in faith. That faith is "rooted in Him" like a tree grows by the "rivers of water" and can be counted on to bear fruit. Whether the fruit is a healing balm or full of flavor, the main purpose of believers who are "rooted" is to glorify the Lord, live consistently, bring comfort to others, and promote fellowship and protection for God's people, including themselves.
"Built up in Him" signifies an ongoing work. God's people are His building, being "fitly framed together" according to His pattern under the principles of His revealed will. We will be built up in our faith, like students learning from qualified teachers who have been tested and proven. The Lord taught His disciples. Paul taught publicly and from house to house. Teachers of the word must communicate that they know experientially and through spiritual wisdom so others can abound in their faith "with thanksgiving." This is the concern of a true and faithful steward of the Lord.