05/25/2026
Much like his writing in Galatians 5, Paul reminds us in Colossians how Christians are to live in this world. Our lives reflect what we have received through the Spirit of Christ. That is why these attributes are called the “fruit of the Spirit.” They are the lives we live because we have been grafted into Christ, the true Vine.
This is not easy. The world pulls us in two sinful directions.
First, we react against the world in bitterness or retaliation because of what others have done to us. Deep down, this reveals the self-righteousness lurking within the sinful heart. Self-righteousness believes that others should fail less, sin less, and behave better than they actually do. Yet we ourselves are not perfect either.
Second, we begin aligning our values with the world rather than with the Word of God. Instead of being shaped by the Spirit, we slowly conform ourselves to the thinking and desires of the age. This too feeds the sinful ego, because we do not want to stand apart from those around us. Whether through prideful self-righteousness or worldly compromise, the sinful heart ultimately turns inward and worships the self.
This is why our consciences and lives must continually be formed where the Holy Spirit does His work: in the Word of God. We return again and again to worship, daily Scripture reading, and prayer. Through these means, the Holy Spirit keeps us in step with Christ.
Our lives become wrapped up in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Then we go back out into the world seeking to be compassionate, kind, humble, meek, and patient. Why? Because our lives are hidden with Christ in God, and in Him we already have everything we need. (Colossians 3:3)
May the life of Christ be your light and make you a light in this dark world!
