May 15, 2025

IMAGES THAT PAINT A PICTURE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Colossians 2:6–7 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Paul is encouraging the believers in Colossae—and us today—to grow deeper in our walk with Christ. Following Jesus isn’t a one-time event; it’s a lifelong journey of progress and maturity. Paul uses five vivid word pictures to describe what spiritual growth looks like:

1. The Pilgrim – “Continue to follow Him”

We began our walk with Jesus by faith, and that’s exactly how we must continue—by faith, step by step. Paul is warning against chasing after “new truths” or teachings, like those promoted by the Gnostic teachers. Instead, stay on the path you started—trusting Christ daily as your Lord.

Image: A pilgrim on a lifelong journey, faithfully following the path laid out by Christ.

2. The Tree – “Let your roots grow down into Him”

Just like a tree needs deep roots for strength and nourishment, we need to be firmly rooted in Christ. A tree with shallow roots will fall when storms come. Likewise, we must not be like spiritual tumbleweeds, blown around by every new teaching. Once rooted in Jesus, there’s no need to look for other ground.

Quote: “Christians are not to be tumbleweeds… nor are they to be transplants that are repeatedly moved from soil to soil.” – Warren Wiersbe

3. The Building – “Let your lives be built on Him”

Here Paul switches from nature to architecture. Once we’ve placed our faith in Christ, we begin building our lives on Him as the foundation. This is an ongoing process. Day by day, we’re being built up through God’s grace, forming a life that honors Him.

Image: A building steadily rising, brick by brick, with Jesus as the foundation.

4. The School – “Your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught”

A healthy faith is an informed faith. We are lifelong students in God’s classroom, daily learning and growing through His Word. When we know the truth, we won’t fall for lies. The more grounded we are in Scripture, the more resilient our faith becomes.

Image: A student learning truth that shapes and strengthens their character.

5. The River – “You will overflow with thankfulness”

When we’re walking with Christ, rooted in Him, built on Him, and grounded in truth—our lives begin to overflow. Like a river that waters everything around it, our gratitude and joy become a blessing to others. We’re not just filled—we’re pouring out.

Reference: Ezekiel 47 describes a river flowing from the temple that grows deeper as it moves. In Christ, we are that river—bringing life as we grow.

Conclusion

Paul is calling us to spiritual progress. Each image—pilgrim, tree, building, student, river—paints a picture of what it means to grow in Christ. We must be rooted, grounded, learning, and overflowing. This is the Christian life.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me grow as I follow Christ each day. Let my roots go deep into Jesus, my foundation be built on Your truth, and my heart overflow with thankfulness. Make me a river that refreshes others with Your life and love. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”