6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.REFLECTIONSWritten by Vivian Ho‘Reflection’. It is a word that generally gets thrown around as we move closer towards the end of the year and we look back on the year that has gone by. And what a year it has been. From toilet paper to home-schooling, to zoom calls and social distancing, this year has definitely been a memorable one. As I think about 2020, I tend to think about all those things that have defined the year. However, when reading these verses 6-8, I am encouraged to reflect on how I lived my life for God this year. Verse 6 reminds me that it’s a daily mission to keep on living our lives for Jesus. It is something that we need constant encouragement in – something that Paul consistently urges us to seek in the book of Colossians. Thinking about being “rooted and built up” in Christ (verse 7) makes me reflect on the foundations of my faith and ways that I can grow my faith so that it will be strong and unwavering, not falling for worldly, deceptive and sinful forces (verse 8). Turning to God through the Bible and through prayer is how we can continue to strengthen our faith. And although that can be easier said than done, let us be “overflowing with thankfulness” – especially thankful that we can come to God even when it’s a struggle, and be joyful when he helps us to live our lives honouring and serving him. As we look back on 2020, let’s reflect on how we have lived our lives for Christ – remembering that God has already forgiven us for the ways wedidn’tlive for Christ, if we keep trusting in him and turning to him (Col. 1:22-23). What are some things you can work on and work towards in order to strengthen your faith in Christ? Let us be thankful that we are able to come to God in prayer and through his Word.ABOUT THE AUTHORVivian is a member of our Bossley Park Morning Congregation.