“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
(Colossians 1:10)
To seek to know God in a way that leads to holiness, love, obedience, and worship is the greatest of all pursuits. This ever-increasing intimate, transforming, covenantal knowledge of God is what Paul longed for in the Colossians: that they might walk in a way worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him, “being fruitful in every good work.”
Just as a newborn child depends entirely on the nourishment and care of others to grow into maturity, so the new believer must be nourished by the knowledge of God. Peter likens this to newborn babes craving pure spiritual milk, so that they may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2). Because while the life of a Christian begins with regeneration, it can only mature through daily dependence on the Word of God and communion with Him.
God, in His mercy, has revealed Himself to us—not only in His world but in His Word, which testifies of His nature, His works, and His will. In the scriptures we find truth that sustains our souls, strengthens our hearts, and instructs our lives. So in order to grow in the knowledge of God, it is essential that we read, study, and meditate on His Word. Only then are we able to live a life marked by holiness, peace, and praise.
In addition, when we grow in the knowledge of God we also grow in humility, for we learn how little we are and how great He is. We grow in love, for we behold the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. We grow in worship, for every new glimpse of His character fuels our adoration. “The Promises of God are the food of faith, and the soul of faith. As faith is the life of a Christian, so the promises are the life of Faith.”[1]
The aim of it all is to please the Lord in everything. And what higher goal could a believer have than to live each day in such a way that the Lord is honored, magnified, and delighted. This is what it means to walk worthy of Him. And it is only possible as we are continually increasing in our knowledge of Him.
Let us then give thanks that God has made Himself known. Let us thank Him that He has not left us to wander in darkness but has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His Son. Let us rejoice that we can know Him truly, even if not fully, and that this knowledge will one day be perfected when we see Him face to face.
Contemplation:
- Gratitude for Divine Nourishment. Lord, I thank You that just as a newborn needs nourishment, You provide for me daily through Your Word. You nourish Your children with truth upon truth to feed our hearts. You have made Yourself knowable and approachable. Thank You for nourishing me with the knowledge of who You are.
- Thank You for Ongoing Growth. I am grateful, Lord, that You are not done with me. Your plan is that I keep growing—in love, in holiness, in obedience, and especially in the knowledge of You. I give thanks that You are patient with my slow progress and that You continually call me to know You more deeply through the Spirit.
- Thank You for Fruitfulness. Lord, thank You that as I learn more of You, You produce fruit in my life that lasts. I see how You use every bit of truth, every encounter with Your Word, to transform me and make me fruitful. Thank You for the work You are doing in me through Your grace.
- Grateful for the Worthy Walk. Lord, thank You for calling me to walk worthy of You—not in my strength, but in Yours. Thank You for the example of Christ, for the indwelling Spirit, and for the means of grace that strengthen my steps. I give thanks that even in my weakness, You are committed to making me pleasing in Your sight.
Prayer (Thanksgiving):
O gracious Father, I lift my heart in thanks to You today, for You have revealed Yourself in the face of Jesus Christ, and by Your Spirit You are teaching me to know You. I bless You, Lord, for the knowledge You grant—so rich, so transformative. You feed me daily from Your Word, You guide me into truth, and You draw me ever nearer.
Thank You, Lord, for the Scriptures, breathed out by You, written for my instruction, preserved by Your providence, and opened to my understanding by Your Spirit. Thank You that in them I see Your character, Your glory, and Your Son. I see my need and Your sufficiency, my sin and Your mercy, my frailty and Your strength.
Thank You for calling me to a life that is worthy of the Lord—a life that is not about performance or perfection, but about delighting in You and walking with You. Thank You for the fruit You bring forth in my life when I stay rooted in Your Word. Thank You that even when I stray, You bring me back, feed me again, and remind me of the joy of knowing You.
Thank You, O Lord, for giving me a hunger for truth. Thank You for putting in me a desire to know You better, not just to grow in knowledge but to grow in nearness. Every page of Your Word is a step closer to Your heart. Every truth rightly grasped is another reason to praise You. And every glimpse of Your glory is a reminder that there is still more to behold.
So, I thank You, my God and Father, that You are not distant or silent. You are the God who speaks, the God who teaches, the God who reveals Himself. And I will praise You with my lips and with my life, for You are worthy of all honor and glory.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further References for Colossians 1:10:
Ephesians 4:1; 2 Corinthians 5:9, 9:8; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:11.
[1] Edmund Calamy, The Godly Mans Ark, (London: Printed for John Hancock …, and for Tho. Parkhurst .., 1658), 106.
