In Him we live, in Him we move, in Him we have our being

Acts 17:28, “for in Him we live and move and have our being …”

I have been pondering over the above scripture for quite a number of years. Never really understood what it meant literally.

During one of the worship services, I thank God for revealing it in my heart. I was not even expecting Him to bring this verse back to my remembrance.

Ephesians 1:17, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,”

Jesus is the Word of God

John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Therefore we can read Acts 17:28 as In Jesus we live and move and have our being Or Based on the Word of God we live and move and have our being.

“Based on the Word of God we live” means that we develop the character of Jesus in our life such as we say what we mean, we do what we commit, we do not sprout nonsense or non edifying words out of our mouth or we develop the compassion that Jesus had for the people etc

“Based on the Word of God we move” means that we make decisions based on the Word of God.

I remembered there was an occasion when I found out that a colleague of mine wrote an email to my higher management behind my back, citing I was partly responsible for a mistake committed by another person when I have already clarified the matter with him. I was very unhappy with regard to his ungentlemanly act and this was not the first time. However after thinking through, I decide to let the matter rest and not confront him but chose to continue working with him as if this matter has never happened.

Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

“Based on the Word of God we have our being” means we know who we are and we know who we represent.

Jesus knew who He is and when Pilate tried to threaten Him, Jesus was not moved for He knew who He is.

John 19:8-12, “Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” From then on Pilate sought to release Him …”

We can see that there is substance in Jesus. We too should learn to develop this substance within us in various areas of our life. I remembered during the economic recession towards the end of 2008, my company was going through mass retrenchment. However I was bold enough to say in my heart that because I have been faithfully tithing and giving to the kingdom of God, this pipeline of finances will not be cut off. Hence even if I happened to be retrenched, I am sure God will lead me to another better job.

Acts 17:28, “for in Him we live and move and have our being …”

Steve