​Life is a race.  This is a common metaphor used with a variety of implications.  Some use it to refer to the various seasons and stages of life.  But we, as Christians, typically use it in reference to our spiritual walk.  We didn’t come up with this nifty turn of speech, Paul did.  Throughout his letters he likened the spiritual life to a race.  And just like all races, there are rules on how to run and consequences if those rules are broken.  The greatest consequence an athlete could ever face is disqualification.

​How’s your tree growing?  Last time we talked about being rooted and built up in Christ and used the analogy of a tree and how it grows upward and downward simultaneously. Likewise, we also must be growing in our spiritual walk with Lord by rooting ourselves more firmly in Him through time spent with Him in the pages of His Word and relationship-building time of prayer.  And as we grow and root ourselves in Him, we’ll come to an astounding realization that Christ is enough.  Enough to satisfy our hearts.  Enough to keep us from returning to our slavery to sin.  Enough for all areas and aspects of life.  

​The fall season has officially descended upon us.  The mornings are chillier, the days are shorter, and the delicious smells of mulling spices, hot apple cider, and fresh apple pie fill the kitchen.  However, one of the most distinct marks of the season is the vibrant fall colors that transform ordinary maple and other deciduous trees into canopies of splendor.  

​Christians all have knowledge of the same mystery, are saved by the same Savior, promote the same gospel, read the same Bible.  Yet despite our many similarities we, believers in Jesus Christ, tend to struggle with unity.  We often become embroiled by our own opinions and pursuits that forget our common ground.  We no longer walk in the unity that God ordained and therefore, lose sight of all the riches of His grace.  But what was Paul’s exhortation and prayer for the Colossians?  At the beginning of Colossians 2 he talks about how great a struggle he has for all the Gentile believers whom he has not met face to face, but why was Paul struggling and in constant prayer for these young Christians?