What is the secret? Paul says this about it, “And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.” If I was hearing this for the first time, my first question would be, “How does it work to have Christ inside me?”
If that’s your question, too, Paul doesn’t get into those details here. But in 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul’s counsel in another setting speaks to the Holy Spirit, a person of the trinity with Jesus. “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself.” Take a moment to reflect on what shape your temple is in to host God himself!
To the Colossians, Paul is more interested in teaching our “next steps” once the secret is revealed to us. Why? Paul says, “I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself.” Sending Jesus to rescue us, those whom God loves so much, was always God’s plan. How cool is that?
God’s beautiful love story involving us begins with the Old Testament. This magnificent “His-Story” (history) available to us in the words of Scripture can reveal answers to our problems of today. That’s why I blog on both the Old and New Testaments. The richness of the history is profound. I love how so much of it points to Jesus, God’s “secret plan” for our salvation. God has been giving us clues all along!
Paul also wants us to have knowledge to build our faith stronger. “I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments.” The evil one employs many people, possibly even our loved ones who we’d be more likely to trust, to jolt our faith with deception. These arguments may sound convincing. We need to be ready, armed with the truth, Jesus. The answers and “clues” are all in God’s word.
God’s word reveals Jesus to us so we can recognize him when he calls our name. Jesus is accessible. Every moment of every day we can call on Jesus’ name. We are never alone. That news should never be a secret. We should be sharing that hope with everyone we know, just like we’d share about a great new restaurant that just opened down the street. When is the last time you shared the “secret” with someone?
Not only can we come before Jesus with absolutely anything, but he’s also our champion. “In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” This is another promise and provision to reflect on today.
You have the power inside you right now to give you the wisdom you need for whatever life decision you are facing. It doesn’t have to be big. Maybe it’s just what to have for dinner. Ask Jesus for help if you’re struggling.
Let’s pray … Lord, I am so grateful for the assurance you give by taking up residence inside me. I can feel the warmth of your presence burning like a flame inside me. Keep that flame ablaze. Help me boldly speak about your love and not keep this secret to myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
