Staying Close To God

I have a habit of listening to, and inviting myself into, other people's conversations. So the other day, as I was making a purchase, I was intrigued by the clerk's comment: "I'm looking for shirt stays."

"Shirt stays?" I inquired as I handed him my money. "You mean the kind that go in shirt collars?"

"No, I'm looking for the ones that hold your shirt tight. They hook onto the bottom of a shirt and then are attached to the top of each sock. It's what military men use to keep their shirts tight and smooth. I can't find anyone here who sells them." We live in a small town, so I wasn't surprised.

As I left, I wondered just how comfortable those elasticized stays would be. Would the person wearing them always feel like stooping to relieve the pressure?

What if there were stays that we could buy to keep us securely connected to God and His Word? I'd buy a dozen for sure, even if it meant that they were a bit uncomfortable!

I've been studying Colossians recently. It is a marvellous mine of Scriptures to help us in this quest to stay close to God.

Colossians 1:27b – Christ in you, the hope of glory. (NIV)

Christ is the stay — the Mediator — who connects us with God. We don't need a dozen, and we can't buy His salvation — it's His free gift! If we are rooted in Christ, He connects us with God.

Colossians 2:6-7 – So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (NIV)

Colossians 2:13 – When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins. (NIV)

Christ's clemency and forgiveness should encourage us to grow our roots — our stays — deep into Him through daily Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.

Paul goes on to embolden us in holy living, a stay that should comfortably hold us close to God at all times.

Colossians 3:12-14 – Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (NIV)

Pray with me:

Prayer: Father, I know that I stray from You at times. I want to be rooted in You, strengthened by You, and overflowing with thankfulness for what You have done for me. Help me to be filled with the knowledge of Your will, gaining wisdom and understanding, so that I may bear fruit and be a witness of Your love. Amen.