Are we getting too busy and distant from God as we face different transitions in our lives? Do we give ear to the hollow and deceptive philosophies of the world that bombard us? Do we relate to God mechanically, allowing spiritual acts to puff up our pride and leading to judging others according to our own standards? Paul addresses the state of our relationship with God in Colossians 2, where he gives his thesis statement to his entire epistle: "just as you received Christ jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."