The phrase “In Him we live and move and have our being” comes from Acts 17:28 and is part of a speech delivered by the Apostle Paul to the people of Athens. This profound statement underscores a deep theological truth: God is the source of all life and the very foundation of our existence.
In this passage, Paul speaks to the Athenians, who were deeply religious and had many gods. Paul uses their own cultural references and philosophy to point them toward the one true God, explaining that God is not distant or far away but is intimately involved in sustaining every aspect of life.
Key Concepts:
- God as the Source of All Life
“In Him we live…” – This first part emphasizes that God is the giver of life. All living beings owe their existence to God, the Creator of everything. The very act of living—breathing, thinking, and being alive—depends on God’s sustaining power. Without God, life itself would not exist.
Application: Understanding that we live in Him means acknowledging God’s role in sustaining us. Our very life is a gift from Him, and our response should be one of gratitude, dependence, and worship
“In Him we move…” – The phrase emphasizes that God is not only the Creator but the sustainer of life in an ongoing way. Everything we do—our actions, choices, and even our movements—are enabled by God’s power. Without Him, we would not have the strength or ability to act, move, or engage with the world.
“In Him we have our being…” – This part speaks to the essence of our existence. We don’t just derive physical life from God; our very identity, our purpose, and the meaning of our lives are found in Him. God is the one who defines us, gives us our purpose, and holds us together as human beings.
Application: Our true identity and purpose are found only in God. To truly understand who we are, we must recognize that we were created in His image and for His purposes. The more we align ourselves with God’s will, the more we experience the fullness of life and being that He intends for us.
Prayer:
“Father, thank you for the truth that in You we live, move, and have our being. You are the Creator, Sustainer, and Source of all life. Help us to live today with an awareness of Your presence and purpose. May we reflect Your glory in all that we do, and may our lives be a testimony to Your grace and power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”