“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
Jeff, a young man preparing to go to college, is new in his faith in Christ. Before heading off to school, Jeff went on an FCA mission/work trip to New Orleans with his former high school’s Huddle. The trip included many of Jeff’s friends and former teammates, but the most significant person on the trip to Jeff was his younger brother, Dan. And everyone was curious to see how Jeff would live out his new faith in front of his brother.
Living out your faith can be tough. The Apostle Paul knew that full well. He challenged and charged the people of Colosse and Ephesus to walk in a manner worthy of how Christ lived His life while He was on earth. Paul knew that those who were not walking with Christ or who were new in their faith were always watching to see if the examples being set for them were real and genuine. That challenge still rings true today.
As he began to realize the situation, Jeff made the comment, “I never really understood that others were watching my example, especially my brother.” But it certainly proved to be true. As he worked on the trip and showed great patience and understanding, others followed his example. On one of the last nights of camp, Dan sought out his brother to tell him that he had invited the Lord into his heart that night. He had learned from watching Jeff, whose life had been a great example of Christ.
Do you realize that someone is watching you? Be assured that they are, whether you know it or not. Is your life worthy? Are you bearing fruit and striving to know God more each day? Whether we want them to or not, people are watching to see how we will respond to what life throws our way. Jeff now sees clearly how others are watching him, and I know he will continue to do his best to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. So, are you?
1. Name some people you know who could be watching you. Who are you watching as an example?
2. What do you think it means to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord?
3. As it says in Colossians, are you bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, or are you just living for yourself? Explain.
Psalm 1:1, 3
Ephesians 4:1
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12