Mom has been here with us the last ten days and we loved having her. We always learn new things about our family history. Yesterday it was time for her to go home and we met my sister and brother-in-law at the half-way point and they took Mom home. It was a long day and I slept in this morning so I am recycling something I shared a few years back. As I read it, it really reminded me of where I am “in Christ”. I hope it will be an encouragement to you.
I was reminded of a theatre phrase this morning as I was doing my Bible reading, “Stay in Character”. I once read an article on Jeff Bridges. He spent time with a Texas Ranger to gain background on a role he was to play. He said he learned a great deal from this man, his mentor.
If you’ve been around “church people” very much you may hear them use this phrase “In Christ or In Him”. This is the message that Paul is delivering to us through all his letters. In fact, he says that this was the reason God called him to be the teacher that he was.
“God’s plan was to make me a servant of his church and to send me to preach his complete message to you. 26 For ages and ages this message was kept secret from everyone, but now it has been explained to God’s people. 27 God did this because he wanted you Gentiles to understand his wonderful and glorious mystery. And the mystery is that Christ lives in you, and he is your hope of sharing in God’s glory.
28 We announce the message about Christ, and we use all our wisdom to warn and teach everyone, so that all of Christ’s followers will grow and become mature. 29That’s why I work so hard and use the mighty power he gives me.
I want you to know what a struggle I am going through for you, for God’s people at Laodicea, and for all of those followers who have never met me. 2 I do it to encourage them. Then as their hearts are joined together in love, they will be wonderfully blessed with complete understanding. And they will truly know Christ. Not only is he the key to God’s mystery, 3 but all wisdom and knowledge are hidden away in him. 4 I tell you these things to keep you from being fooled by fancy talk. 5 Even though I am not with you, I keep thinking about you. I am glad to know that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.” Colossians 1:25-2:5 CEV
The mystery that God the Father had kept hidden for the ages was that Christ lives in us and He brings all of his power into our lives. We are “In Him” and our lives are complete “in Christ”.
This morning I urge you to study your role, spend time with your mentor and stay in character. The character of Christ. Don’t become discouraged because you haven’t learned all the lines or because you enter from stage left when you should be coming from stage right. This is dress rehearsal. Stay focused and when the curtain goes up on Opening Night, you will find all of His power and knowledge are there for you.
As Christians, we aren’t just “playing” a part. No, we are taking on a new life. A new life that has us wrapped completely in Him.