Read: Colossians 1:9-14

[We pray] that you may walk
worthy of the Lord, fully
pleasing Him, being fruitful
in every good work.
-Colossians 1:10

They meet every year, a group of ordinary and
unassuming veterans who have one thing in common – their
nation’s highest military award for bravery.

Almost all of them agree that the Congressional Medal
of Honor has transformed and redefined their lives. For
many, it has thrust them into the public eye. One
recipient, assessing its effect on his thought and
behavior, said, “You’re representing everybody and
everything the medal represents.”

As Christians, we share a distinguishing mark more
defining than any medal – the name of Christ. We
profess to be followers of Jesus, servants of the Lord.
For that reason, the spostle Paul prayed for his fellow
believers to “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing
Him” (Col. 1:10). He urged Christians to be “fruitful”
in good works and to be characterized by such qualities
as patience, joy, and thankfulness (vv.11:12).

Our conduct should not be guided by expectations that
come from ourselves or the people around us. They must
come from the Lord, who has redeemed us, called us, and
given us His name. Rather than feeling trapped by a set
of external standards, we can celebrate the honor of
bearing Christ’s name and the freedom of pleasing only
Him. -David C. McCasland

Lord, may I live that all may see
The love of Christ revealed in me;
And help me flee all sin and shame,
Lest others scoff at Your dear name. -DJD

YOU HONOR GOD’S NAME WHEN YOU CALL HIM
YOUR FATHER AND LIVE LIKE HIS SON.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1999 by Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.