“You just gotta live life the way you want it,” someone once quipped at me, after summarising his whole journey from rags to riches. That same slogan comes in countless forms through our blockbuster movies, favourite TV shows, and popular music. And that’s why the gospel is so countercultural. Paul reminds us:
“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.” (Col 2:6–7)
As Christians, we are not countercultural for the sake of being countercultural. No, it flows from our new relationship with Christ. Paul doesn’t just speak about receiving Jesus Christ as Lord—which is countercultural in any generation! —But it goes with continuing to live in Him, being grounded in Him, and growing in our belief and gratitude to Him. The Christian life is never just a one-time decision, but a lifetime direction.
When we receive Christ, we let go of approval, control, or success to feel secure. We acknowledge that these are vain and empty idols. Only in Christ we find true fulfillment. And because we are invited into a relationship, that fulfilment will bear fruit in our lives.
And the result? Thankfulness. A heart full of Christ will overflow in thanksgiving, even in hardship, because it knows He has given us the life we were made for.
Reflection:
- How might thankfulness flow from my relationship with Him today?
- How can I remain rooted in Christ when life feels uncertain?
This devotion is sent weekly to staff during school terms. It has been lightly edited for a general audience.
Drawn to the Gospel 
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