Read Colossians 1:28-29.The word "proclaim" according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary means "to declare publicly, typically insistently, proudly, or defiantly and in either speech or writing : announce b: to give outward indication of : show." The third definition is "to praise or glorify openly or publicly : extol." Notice that proclaiming is three-fold: announcing, showing and extolling.
"We proclaim him...." NIV
Announcing would be telling others about Christ in word or writing. Getting the message out and releasing the mystery. There's a dying world out there, and it is our job to "proclaim" Christ to them.
Showing would be living out what we are proclaiming. Christ within us makes us a new creation. The old is gone, and we should guard ourselves from ever letting it creep back into our lives. We must live exemplary lives modeled after Christ. Will we be perfect? No. But others must see an attractive difference in the way we live.
Extolling is never shrinking from praising God openly and boldly. Right now we have the freedom to do this in most places. But in our workplace and in schools, we have been restricted. Other religions haven't, but Christianity sure has. We have to find a way to keep our jobs and remain loyal to our Lord.
Our proclamation of our Lord admonishes and teaches others in wisdom so all of us may continue to grow and become even more like Christ. This is a constant battle against the enemy, and will be till we die or He returns, whichever comes first. (I vote for Him returning:) The consolation in all this is that the battle is not ours. We labor and struggle, as Paul says, in His energy. That is so awesome because I sure don't have enough energy to do it by myself. If I have access to the power of the Almighty Creator of the Universe, then I'm going to take it. That way, I'm assured of the outcome -- victory. (Have you read the end of the book?)
Further Thoughts:
- Are you living a "proclaiming" life? Why or why not?
- What are some practical ways in your life you can proclaim Jesus Christ?
- Look up Scriptures on living by the power of God.
Thanks for defining the three aspects of proclaiming - very helpful. I especially like what you said under show, "The old is gone, and we should guard ourselves from ever letting it creep back into our lives." If I am not watchful and spending time with God, it is so easy to let the old habits and attitudes creep back in. This certainly can damage my "proclamation" which is not what I want! Creep is a good word for it too :-) Debbie
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debbie. Love it when God "pops" something out of the Scriptures just for us.
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