To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Catholic Men’s Devotionals, An Introduction
To the Ends of the Earth: Witness – Week 5, Day 5 – Our Freedom Gives Us Insight into What is Truly for Our Benefit
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As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so live in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
See to it that no one makes a prey of you by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fulness of life in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
Colossians 2:6–10
In Christ, we have the power to live in true freedom. We share in the fullness of the Godhead because he dwells in us and empowers us to conquer sin and selfishness. This gives us heavenly insight to recognize the emptiness of earthly thinking and seek to live according to God’s wisdom and designs. As the Spirit enables us, we learn what it means to live for Christ alone. This is a life-long commitment that brings personal and communal benefits.
The less we are weighed down by sin — by pride, selfishness, confusion, and shame — the more we can understand how God is working out all things for our good (Rom 8:28). Freedom empowers us to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, working for the kingdom with love, zeal, and strength. No longer are we stumbling in darkness; rather, we take the light that has illumined our minds and shine it into the lives of those still struggling to make sense of their senseless, broken lives.
Questions for reflection
What falsehoods have held you captive? How has freedom in Christ changed your understanding of these lies?
What specific things can you do to become more fully rooted and built up in Christ?
How does your freedom allow you to shine as a light for those still trapped in darkness?
Praying with Scripture
Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (Jn 8:31–32)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
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About the Author
Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
