“As I have said several times,” Stan began, “I think the apostle Paul was a master at saying something significant in very few words, often in a single word.”
“For example,” he continued, “in his letter to the church in Colossae he makes what I think is a significant statement for my Christian walk. Paul uses the word ‘in’ rather than ‘with’ when he is addressing what I am to do and to be after having received Christ. To me, this is a big difference.”
“Not sure I follow,” I responded.
“I think Paul is making a vital distinction,” Stan replied. “If I am walking ‘with’ Christ, I am doing so as an individual who is still exerting himself.”
“Like maintaining a separate identity?” I asked.
“That’s a good way to look at it.” Stan replied. “On the other hand,” he continued, “it seems to me that if I am walking ‘in’ Him, I no longer exist as a person apart from Him. He and I will have truly become one.”
“That sounds about like how God described marriage,” I replied, “where He says that the two shall become one.”
“Exactly, my friend,” Stan responded, “no longer individuals, but one. I am to be one with Christ, no longer a separate person who chooses to just walk with Him.”
“Once I have received Christ, my walk is to be ‘in’ Him, not just ‘with’ Him. I am to no longer want to maintain an identity that is apart from Him.”
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As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. Colossians 2:6.
Prayer: Thank you for your provision that I can walk in Christ, not just with Him. I confess that too often I want to maintain my separate identity in my walk. Please forgive me. And please lead me, and help me to follow, so that I truly become one with you in everything so that I only walk in you, never just with you. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
