“And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” (Colossians 1:10-12)

I was a Christian for 27 years before I found my specific calling. It’s not that those years were wasted. I had worked in the church, given my life to God at a young age, and genuinely loved my journey. Yet, something profound shifted when I found the intersection between knowing God’s will for my life and truly grasping the life-changing reality of His grace. At that point, my world changed. My life began to feel like it truly counted for something.

This is exactly what the Apostle Paul is getting at in his prayer for the Colossians. After praying for them to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will (Col. 1:9), he immediately connects that knowledge to its practical outcome: a life that is worthy, pleasing, and fruitful.

God’s Grace Gives Value, His Will Gives Purpose

It’s no accident that Paul first prays for deep spiritual insight. He asks for us to see things as God sees them and to understand as God understands. Why? Because there is immense power in aligning our perspective with God’s truth. When we grasp His will, we find our purpose. When we grasp His grace, we find our value. The two work together to transform us from the inside out.

Amazingly, this understanding isn't a distant, unattainable goal. Paul told the church in Corinth that we "have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16) and that God has revealed these deep things to us by His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10). The same Holy Spirit living inside believers is our teacher (1 John 2:27), our reminder of Jesus’ words (John 14:26), and the source of our confidence before God (1 John 3:20-24).

This understanding of God’s ways and purposes is what enables us to live a life "worthy of the Lord." It grounds us in a truth that silences accusations, whether they come from ourselves, others, or the enemy. When we truly see ourselves and others as God sees us, our purpose becomes clear, and our actions begin to align with our calling.

The Results of a Worthy Walk

When we are filled with the knowledge of His will and drawing our purpose from Him, a beautiful and powerful transformation occurs. Paul lays out the results, showing us what a life that pleases God looks like in action.

1. You Bear Fruit in Every Good Work

A life lived in sync with God's will is a fruitful one. This isn't about striving to do good things to earn favor. Instead, it’s about participating in the good works that He "prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). Fruit becomes the natural byproduct of a healthy, connected life in Christ. Your actions, big and small, start to carry an eternal weight because they flow from a place of purpose.

2. You Grow in the Knowledge of God

Knowing God isn't a one-time event; it's a lifelong journey. The more you walk in His will, the more you understand His character. Your relationship deepens, and your knowledge of Him becomes more intimate and personal. This growth fuels your walk, creating a cycle where knowing God leads to pleasing God, which in turn leads to knowing Him more.

3. You Are Strengthened with All Power

This walk isn't always easy. Life brings trials and challenges that test our limits. Paul acknowledges this by praying for us to be "strengthened with all power according to his glorious might." This isn't our own strength. It is a supernatural empowerment that produces "great endurance and patience." It’s the divine ability to persevere through any and all circumstances not just with gritted teeth, but with courage and grace.

4. You Give Thanks Joyfully

Perhaps the most surprising result is the ability to joyfully give thanks in all situations. How is this possible? Because our perspective has shifted. We are no longer defined by our circumstances but by our identity in Christ. This deep, intimate knowledge of who we are and what God has done allows us to see beyond the immediate struggle. We can rejoice because we know that the Father "has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." He has already done the work. He has rescued, redeemed, equipped, and called you. Your inheritance is secure.

God Takes Pleasure in You

I pray that you begin to see yourself as God sees you: called, qualified, and deeply loved. May the truth of your identity in Christ permeate every part of your being, so your outward life becomes a reflection of your inward spirit. May you gain spiritual insight into the mystery of Christ in you, allowing your life to bear His kingdom’s fruit and reflect His goodness to the world.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. In what practical way can you align your actions with God’s will this week?

2. How can you lean on God's strength, instead of your own, in a current challenge?

3. How does knowing God has "qualified you" change your perspective on your daily life?