Living for Christ Means More Than Just Believing
Most people like the idea of following Jesus—until it actually costs them something. It’s easy to be a Christian when it’s convenient, when it fits into our plans, when it doesn’t make us uncomfortable. But Paul, writing from a prison cell, reminds us that following Jesus isn’t about comfort—it’s about commitment.
In Colossians 1:24-2:5, Paul gives us a clear picture of what it means to be a servant of Christ. It’s not just about knowing the gospel; it’s about living it, suffering for it, striving for it, and strengthening others in it.
First, Paul talks about suffering for the gospel. He literally says, “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake.” (Colossians 1:24) That sounds crazy, right? Who actually rejoices in suffering? But Paul understood something that we often miss—when you follow Jesus, there will be a cost.
You may not end up in jail like Paul, but you might:
Lose friends because you won’t compromise your faith.
Get left out because you won’t go along with what everyone else is doing.
Be mocked for believing in something the world doesn’t understand.
But here’s the reality: if you’re never experiencing any tension because of your faith, you might not be living it boldly enough. Following Jesus means embracing the fact that the gospel changes you—and not everyone will like that.
Paul doesn’t stop at suffering. He also talks about striving for the mission of Christ. He says, “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” (Colossians 1:29) Paul’s mission was clear—to present everyone mature in Christ.
That’s the goal: spiritual maturity.
Not just attending church.
Not just knowing Bible verses.
Not just saying the right things.
Maturity in Christ means that you look more like Jesus every day—in your thoughts, your actions, and your desires. It’s a lifelong process, but it only happens when we’re actively pursuing Jesus.
Finally, Paul reminds us that we aren’t in this alone. A servant of Christ doesn’t just focus on their own growth—they strengthen others.
Paul says his desire is that the church would be encouraged and united in love so that they wouldn’t be led astray by false teaching. (Colossians 2:2-4) In a world full of distractions and lies, we need each other.
Encouragement isn’t just about saying nice things—it’s about pointing each other back to truth. It’s reminding a struggling friend that God is faithful. It’s telling someone stuck in sin that Jesus has better for them. It’s challenging one another to keep going when we feel like giving up.
So, what does this mean for you?
First, ask yourself: Are you willing to suffer for Christ, or do you avoid discomfort? Faith that never costs you anything might not be real faith at all.
Second, are you actually striving to grow in Christ, or are you just coasting? Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen by accident—it takes pursuit and commitment.
Finally, who are you strengthening? If your faith is only about you, you’re missing the point. Look around. Encourage someone. Walk alongside them.
Jesus never said following Him would be easy, but He promised it would be worth it. The question isn’t whether He’s called you to be His servant—it’s whether you’re willing to live like one.