Learning through His Breath

"He (Christ) is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me." Colossians 1:28-29 NIV

The Holy Spirit (through the Apostle) is very clear here -- it is Jesus Christ that makes a difference in the lives of others. He proclaims Him - and through the wisdom given, teaches and encourages all so they may become complete in Christ Jesus.

We have so much available in our world to entertain us, even in the ways of Jesus. In one sense, this is good, in another it has some difficulties. Notice that Paul simply proclaimed Christ. He had no other tools to use. However, his proclamation was not something he learned or heard from others. It was what the Holy Spirit continually revealed to Him. He specifically states in Galatians 1:12 that he did not receive his gospel from others, but from Christ Himself.

So much of what we lean into today, both in learning and in proclamation, is something someone else has said or written or taught. Now quickly, before wrong conclusions are drawn, let me say that I believe we must always remain open to hear what God is saying through other people. We are not islands unto ourselves but members of the same body. However, we need to individually experience Him in and through His own word with the breath of the Holy Spirit in wisdom and expectation upon it. When we understand a passage directly from Him, we remember and what is more, we have the empowered ability to become as it is. This empowerment is contained in the He breaths within us.

When I read others' thoughts and rely mainly on them, then I am eating food already chewed and drinking water already consumed. When I sit at His table, it is always new and fresh and full. This brings us into "maturity" or completeness in Christ. We have much, much material and many, many avenues of learning about Him today. But to learn Him, is to listen through His word and then through our hearts. This empowers becoming.

Paul then states that he does this proclaiming with all the energy God gives Him. May we feel and know this energy and this commission.