“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist. That is all.” – Oscar Wilde. This profound statement from Wilde challenges us to think deeply about what it means to truly live. We often get caught up in the grind of daily routines, responsibilities, and even pursuits of pleasure, but is this really living?

Are we just existing, or are we truly living? If you feel alive, is there still more to experience? If you feel disconnected or spiritually dead, what could restore your life?

My hope is that by the end of this blog, we’ll have a clearer understanding of what it truly means to be alive—rooted, growing, and established in the life that Jesus offers.

In Colossians 2:6-15 we a Description of Someone Who Is Alive. The first description of someone who is truly alive is that they are rooted in the source of life itself. From a Christian perspective, this source is Jesus Christ. In Colossians 1:16-17, we read: "For in him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

To be rooted in Christ is to be connected to the source of life. Just as a tree draws its nourishment from the soil, Christians are called to draw their life from Jesus. When we are "rooted" in Him, we are alive—not just surviving, but thriving, bearing fruit. Think about the imagery of a tree planted by streams of water in Psalm 1: "Blessed is the one who delights in the law of the Lord... that person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither."

Being rooted in Christ means drawing strength from Him, being continually refreshed, and bearing fruit—love, joy, peace, generosity, and kindness—in our lives.

Another description of someone who is alive is that they are built up. To be alive spiritually means to grow in the character of God—what Christians call the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23): Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

When someone is spiritually alive, they are becoming more like Christ in their attitudes and actions. They are constantly growing and maturing, becoming more patient, more loving, and more joyful. They are like an evergreen tree, always bearing fruit, always thriving.

The third sign of someone who is alive is that they are established—not just in their faith, but in gratitude. True life is not measured by what we have externally, but by who we are internally—our character, our faith, and our thanksgiving. This kind of establishment isn't based on material wealth or achievements, but on being deeply rooted in the gospel and living with a heart full of gratitude for what God has done.

Imagine someone who has learned to live a life of thanksgiving even in the midst of loss or hardship. This person is truly alive, because their joy and peace don't come from circumstances, but from a deep, abiding trust in God’s goodness.

While this might sound ideal, many of us feel spiritually dead or stuck. What prevents us from truly living?

A powerful image in Scripture is that of captivity—being imprisoned or deceived. In Colossians 2:8, Paul warns believers to be cautious of empty philosophies and human traditions that can lead us astray: "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."

In other words, many people are held captive by ideas or practices that promise life but ultimately lead to spiritual death. For example, legalism—the belief that following rules or traditions can make us right with God—prevents us from truly living. Paul addresses this throughout his letters, including in the context of circumcision, arguing that outward rituals do not bring life; it is only Christ who gives life.

Some people believe that freedom means abandoning all roots—family, faith, relationships—and living only for themselves. This path may seem like a road to freedom, but it leads to isolation and ultimately, death. 

Others think that religion is the source of their captivity—believing that they can only be free by rejecting it altogether. However, true religion, rooted in grace and love, is not a cage, but the very thing that brings life. The problem often lies in false, legalistic forms of religion that bind people, rather than liberating them.

If we are spiritually dead or stuck, how do we come alive again? The answer is found in the gospel—what Jesus has done for us.

In verse 13, Paul writes that we were once "dead in our trespasses," but through Jesus, we have been made alive: "When you were dead in your sins... God made you alive with Christ." (Colossians 2:13)

Sin is like a blockage in our spiritual heart—it keeps us from experiencing true life. But Jesus came to remove that blockage. He took our moral debt upon Himself, nailed it to the cross, and canceled our sin through His death and resurrection.

Additionally, baptism is the outward sign of the new life we receive in Christ. It symbolizes being buried with Christ in His death and raised to new life in His resurrection. Through baptism, we publicly declare that we are alive in Christ.

Jesus offers us life, not based on our works or adherence to the law, but on His grace. Legalism says, "Do this and be alive." The gospel says, "You are alive because of what Jesus has already done for you."

Repentance is turning away from self-reliance and legalism and turning toward Christ. It’s admitting that we cannot save ourselves and that only Jesus can give us the life we long for.

To be truly alive means to be made alive in Christ. It’s not about striving harder or performing better; it’s about resting in the life Jesus offers. True life is found in being rooted in Him, growing in His character, and being established in faith and gratitude.

So, what does it mean to be alive? It means being connected to the source of life, Jesus Christ, and living in the freedom and fullness He offers. May we all experience this true life, today and every day.