In His Name Devotionals
SPIRITUAL STABILITY
In His Name Devotionals
SPIRITUAL STABILITY
“...strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience.” (Colossians 1:11 NIV)
An alarming number of Christians today seem to lack spiritual stability. Some are “carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14). Others lack moral purity. Some are constantly driven by emotions rather than sound thinking and reasoning. While most Christians still proclaim a sovereign, all-powerful God—conduct often belies sound doctrine.
Despite inconsistencies, the power for spiritual stability is yours in Christ as you allow the knowledge of His will to control your life. Paul describes the working of that power in Colossians 1:11. There the Greek word translated “strengthened” and “power” speaks of inherent power that gives one the ability to do something.
The phrase “according to” indicates that the power for spiritual stability is proportional to God’s abundant supply—and that supply is inexhaustible. The literal Greek says you are being “empowered with all power according to the might of His glory.” That thought is akin to Philippians 2:1-13, where Paul says that the power for working out your salvation comes from God, “who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
In Colossians 1:11, the result of God’s enabling is “the attaining of all steadfastness and patience.” “Steadfastness” speaks of endurance regarding people; “patience” speaks of endurance regarding things or circumstances. When you are steadfast and patient, you are spiritually stable. Your responses are Biblical, thoughtful, and calculated—not worldly, emotional, or uncontrolled. You bear up under trials because you understand God’s purposes and trust His promises.
Paul said, “Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). That is possible when you trust God and rely on the infinite power that is yours in Christ.
