“For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.“
— Colossians 2:5 KJV
Reflection on Today's Verse
Paul wasn’t scrolling through updates or watching a livestream of their Sunday service. He was in chains, far from the church at Colossae. And yet, somehow, he saw them—clearly. Not with eyes. With spirit.
That phrase hits hard: the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. Faith with structure. Not flaky emotions. Not spiritual highs. Order. Steadfastness. Like soldiers standing their ground while arrows fly. Paul didn’t applaud their passion, or size, or clever theology—he celebrated their spiritual alignment. Their staying power. Their unity. Their discipline.
I think about how easily we equate “presence” with impact. If I’m not there, I can’t do anything. If I don’t show up, I’m useless. But Paul reminds me: distance doesn’t dilute love. Spirit isn’t limited by geography. And most of all, Christ connects us in a way that physical space can’t interrupt.
Is my faith the kind someone could behold from afar? Is there visible order, or just scattered inspiration? Would someone rejoicing in the Spirit over me see strength—or noise?
There’s a kind of quiet power in spiritual consistency. Not flashy. Not loud. But unmistakable.
Personal Prayer
Lord, help me live a faith that holds its shape. When no one’s watching. When no one’s near. When I feel forgotten, or unseen—anchor me in You.
Make my heart steady. My steps sure. Let my life show up in the Spirit, even when I don’t. And knit me to others who walk the same road. In Jesus’ name. Amen.