This morning I was reading the first part of Colossians chapter 2, and I thought that I might mention a couple of things that struck me as important… Specifically, I’m referring to Col. 2:1-5.
In these verses, Paul mentions to his readers that he has been “struggling” for them (v. 1) and that his struggle was that they come to know the full riches of a complete understanding of the mystery of God, namely Christ. (v. 2) We know that the “mystery of God” is one of the ways that Paul refers to the Gospel, so he is struggling so that the people might come to see all that they have in the Gospel. To put it another way, Paul is struggling to make disciples, to assist these people in growing in their faith to a mature level of understanding.
It struck me that this is what we are all called to do. To “struggle” so that our brother or sister may come to fully understand the riches that are in Chris,t is our purpose in this life.
In verse 3, Paul goes on to say that in Christ are all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and it strikes me that this statement runs counter to what the world around us sees as “wisdom and knowledge.” Perhaps you have seen some of the atheist posts that have recently been so prominent when we scroll through our readers under the topic of “Bible.” Have you seen them? They equate “Christian” with “Ignorant!” I suppose that we should be filled with a sense of pity for the poor atheist who thinks “wisdom” comes from the brains of men rather than from the One who makes all such “wisdom” to be laughable!
Verses four and five are really telling. Paul tells his readers that he is doing this so they will not be deceived by “fine-sounding arguments.” I love that, “fine-sounding arguments!” What shall we take from this? As I see it, we have a serious role to play in leading our “younger” brother to stand firm in the knowledge and truth of Christ, to help them, to guide them and yes, to struggle for them so that they will not be deceived by the “wisdom” of this age, and to nurture them into the fullness of Christ. I wonder how often we see this imperative as our goal, rather than looking out for ourselves only…
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I prefer this one to the Anti-Christ conversation. This one speaks of togetherness, the other speaks of debate and who can read tea-leaves better – in my opinion.
Good for you Paul, because this is a whole lot more important!
One of the things that comes to mind regarding this post is just how complex it would be for the heart of a pastor to relate to each need, and the one who has the need, as well, in such a way that the very heart of God, in Christ, becomes both the author and finisher of the interaction. The sentence structure of this thought may make it harder to understand than I intended. To simplify, the modern miracles sought by so many are the wrong ones to be seeking. The 21st century miracles so often ignored, or sadly, rejected as something less, are the works of the Spirit who continues to be the One struggling on our behalf, even as Christ struggled on our behalf in Gethsemane and at Calvary. And when the gift He sends is sent through the heart of a pastor, buoyed up by the one with the gift of intercession, and carried on eagles wings by those with the gift of exhortation, what more could we ask for?
Perhaps a prayer daily for a pastor, even those we haven’t met yet?
Yes, absolutely! So many pastors are thrown to the wolves by their leadership too. They carp at the pastor about this and that, and one begins to wonder if they think their only job is to be critical! Pastors need prayer in large amounts! Seems to me that we ought to keep this in mind daily… oh yes, and to be willing to give the pastor a hand! Great comment!
Such is the life of a servant of the Lord in a Corinthian society, in my estimation. Sad. The only dimension of the pastor’s heart that I would add, though, is that many in the “position” of pastor do not have the gift, that is, the “passion” of a pastor. Some of the ones who hold the position without the passion place themselves at risk, as James, I think, writes.
Sadly, that also is true…
Careful, now. We recognize that sadness as a gift, in the same way that Jesus wept over both a city, and a man and his family. The expression of sadness isn’t necessarily because of the absence of hope, but because of its presence. Let us seek His presence also, rather than His presents. For in the former we are strengthened, just as our true “forefathers” were. Those who seek the latter are knocking on doors of misplaced hope, which makes the heart sick.
…then it’s quite the word I wanted!
:o)