When we look back at our lives, most of us will find a trail of unfinished interests and incomplete projects. Maybe we bought an exercise bike only to see it draped with clothes in the corner of a room. We unearth a box of knitting needles and yarn with a partially created scarf still hanging on the needles. It is easy to start, but harder to continue.

In all of his letters to early believers, Paul urged them to “continue” in the faith. In Colossians chapter 2, he echoes this same message: “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him” (v. 5). At each location, he had planted churches and introduced many to Jesus, now he is writing back to those same people asking, “Are you continuing in the faith?”

Paul’s advice to the Colossians is good advice for us as well. How do we finish what we start when it comes to our faith? First, we must stay “rooted and built up in him” (v. 7). Strong roots nourish a plant. Without active, growing roots, a tree will die. In the same way, believers need nourishment to continue in faith. We stay rooted by being connected to God in prayer, by reading and applying His Word, by staying engaged in a community of Christ followers.

Second, Paul says that we should be “strengthened in the faith as you were taught” (v. 7). Strength training is not a once-and-done process. Muscles that are not used will weaken. Strengthening in the faith requires constant exercise of trusting and believing in God, following His direction, obeying His call.

Finally, Paul says that we must be “overflowing with thankfulness” (v. 7). It is time for a thankfulness check! As we look at our prayer life and our speech, are they marked by thankfulness? Refocusing on God and what He has done will change our hearts from anxious to “overflowing.”

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