A new view on how to live the Christ. An Adaptation of Col. 2:6-7

NIV.  “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness.”  

Receive Jesus.  The meaning of the word “receive” in the Greek has two ideas. 1.) To take Jesus as your companion or attendant;  and 2.) is to accept the idea of Jesus into your mind.

Continue to live. The word “continue to live” really means walk around with Jesus, progressing and regulating your life with him as your mentor. Picture a child walking along side his companionable tutor as  he continues his learning.

Rooted and built up in him. “Rooted” means to strike a root into the soil, then to strengthen it or establish it.  Picture this as we plant a new tree, water it so it takes root and becomes established.

Strengthened in faith.  “Strengthened” means to build up on a foundation, to promote growth and make firmly established. Picture a house built on a very large rock, impervious to the storms.

Overflowing with thankfulness.  “Overflowing” is the marvelous word perisseuo (perry-sue-oh).  This means is to exceed in number, to do things abundantly, with excess and overflow.  Picture the fishermen hauling in a full net of fish, surprised by the quantity, so full the net is about to break.

So this is what I hear Jesus saying to me:

Dear One, 

Take me as your companion and accept all that I say about us into your mind.  I am your LORD, your maker.  I am the person to whom you belong.

Walk around with me, learning the lessons of life and regulating yourself by my spirit.  Together we will progress towards my goals for you.

Strike your roots deeply into me, for I am your rich earth. Become strengthened and established as I pour my Living Water over you.  We will continue to strengthen this root system until you are thoroughly grounded into me, and fertilized by my teachings which builds your faith. 

Be overflowing, even excessive in your gratitude.  This, Dear One, is the way to live in me!

Love, Jesus.