Do you remember the early days after you came to Christ? I certainly do! I was a college student. It was the early 1970's and the world was a very turbulent place and I was discovering Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit in powerful new ways. Even though I was raised in church and knew a lot of the Bible, the Bible became a new book to me. Jesus was suddenly real in ways I had never imagined and I became very alert to the spiritual realm. When I recently read today's passage, I was reminded of those early days and it helped me to take a moment to re-focus. Let's listen to it:

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. (Col. 2:6-7)

When I came to Christ, I began to be deeply involved with other Christians. Nearly all of us were new believers and we suddenly became aware that there was much more to loving and serving Jesus than we ever had imagined. We went to Bible studies, sat and took notes. We prayed for people to be healed. We met together several days a week to share our lives and to encourage each other in our relationship with God. In today’s passage, Paul writes, "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." And that's how we "accepted Christ Jesus as Lord" back then...and nearly all of those folks we knew, more than 50 years ago, are still following Jesus.

Today, I encourage you to remember the early days when you received Christ. Let your roots grow down into Him and build your life on Him. Your own story is amazing. Be thankful! When Jesus came into your life He changed it forever...and that's very Good News!