Colossians – Heartbeat of a missionary
Some of us are given the challenge to begin something new, others of us are given the ability to manage the something new. Still others are given the ability to see what has been started and improve it by making course corrections along the way so it will continue to grow and thrive. This is one way God works in and through us.
When it comes to churches, groups of believers, Jesus Christ is the Head that guides the Body. The Body does not guide the Head. Paul knows this well and teaches this to all who are willing to hear.
Now, another thought as we begin Paul’s letter to the Colossian believers, what if God arranged for Paul to be and stay in jail so others could grow in THEIR gifts as leaders, pastors, teachers, and other servants of the gospel? As we read Paul’s writings and study his past and present at the time of this writing, we feel his passion, his exuberance, and his “get it done now at all costs” attitude. His enthusiasm is contagious…but maybe sometimes a little overwhelming to others trying to catch up to God’s vision in Paul.
I get that in Paul. I understand his passion and enthusiasm. God gave me passion for getting things done. But I am aware that my joy and enthusiasm is overwhelming to some. So I have to bring it done a notch until others see my heart. It seems I have spent my life, seeing the vision of what God wants his church to be, but had to sit “in jail” from time to time, learning patience in the process.
Not all people will see what you see or carry out God’s vision the way you see it. This doesn’t just happen in the church, it happens in my profession as a teacher. My dreams for a program to reach at risk kids with the joy of learning are continuously two steps ahead of our resources, both in materials and staff. So we have to adjust. We HAVE to work together to pull off a “new thing” given the people and stuff we have on hand…and it works. Because GOD works.
Back to the church…Paul might be in jail writing instructions for others to carry out because God placed him there so he would not get in the way of others’ growth of the gifts God gave them! What!? you say? Just think about it for awhile. Sometimes God has to put us “in park” giving time for others to see the vision, too. Sometimes God has to remove us physically so others can step up to the plate and swing at the ball, learning how to make a home run, too!
Paul is the person God chose to begin new works, while learning to do the work God gave him to do in others. Mm. Is this why Paul is SO thankful for all who have come alongside him to carry out the vision of planting, watering and feeding these new churches, (groups of believing people), while God provides the growth…from the inside out of His church? Are lives being transformed while Paul is parked in jail for awhile? Amazing!
So, it’s not about Paul. It’s about God…”As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do YOUR work.” Colossians 1, The Message
Colossians 1, The Message
3-5 Our prayers for you are always spilling over into thanksgivings. We can’t quit thanking God our Father and Jesus our Messiah for you! We keep getting reports on your steady faith in Christ, our Jesus, and the love you continuously extend to all Christians. The lines of purpose in your lives never grow slack, tightly tied as they are to your future in heaven, kept taut by hope.
5-8 The Message is as true among you today as when you first heard it. It doesn’t diminish or weaken over time. It’s the same all over the world. The Message bears fruit and gets larger and stronger, just as it has in you. From the very first day you heard and recognized the truth of what God is doing, you’ve been hungry for more. It’s as vigorous in you now as when you learned it from our friend and close associate Epaphras. He is one reliable worker for Christ! I could always depend on him. He’s the one who told us how thoroughly love had been worked into your lives by the Spirit.
9-12 Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
Dear Heavenly Father, We see that every strength in us can be a weakness if we do not wait on You. Help us to not pull ahead of your timing. Help us to do no harm in others along the way. We are so thankful for those who have come alongside us to teach us, be with us, nurture us and allow You to work in and through us. Continue to teach us, causing us think about You and how You work. In Jesus Name, Amen
