Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. — Colossians 1:29 KJV
To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. — Colossians 1:29 NIV
Reflection on Verse for Today
The Apostle Paul, who wrote this letter to the Colossians, understood the hard work and effort required to live a life that honors Christ. He didn’t just sit back and wait for God to do all the work; rather, he “strenuously contended” to live in a way that pleased God.
At the same time, Paul recognized that his strength to do so came not from his own efforts alone, but from the power of Christ working in him. This is a crucial point for all of us to remember. We can’t rely solely on our own strength and abilities to live a holy life; we need to rely on the power of Christ living within us.
In practical terms, this means that we need to be intentional about pursuing God and allowing Him to work in us. We can’t simply coast through our Christian lives and hope for the best. We need to actively seek God’s will, read His Word, pray, and surround ourselves with other believers who will encourage and challenge us.
Ultimately, this verse reminds us that living a life that pleases God is hard work, but it is work that is well worth the effort. And when we rely on the power of Christ within us, we can be confident that we will have the strength we need to persevere and succeed.
My Prayer
Dear God, thank you for reminding me about the importance of striving to live a life that pleases You. Help me to be intentional in my pursuit of You, and to never become complacent in my faith. Give me the strength to “strenuously contend” with all the energy that Christ so powerfully works in me.
Lord, I recognize that I cannot do this on my own. I need Your power and guidance every step of the way. Help me to rely on Your strength and not my own, knowing that I am weak but You are strong.
I pray that You would give me a hunger and thirst for Your Word, and a desire to live in a way that honors You. Help me to surround myself with other believers who will encourage and challenge me to grow in my faith.
Thank You for the example of the Apostle Paul and his dedication to living a life that honored You. May I follow in his footsteps, with the power of Christ working in me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
