The Way - Day 136 (Colossians 4)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
Colossians 4
In Paul's closing words to the Colossians, he asks them to pray. He writes "continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving" meaning they should keep alert to any needs and immediately ask God for help in handling each situation. A follower of Christ should always keep alert to the needs around him and evidence dependence on God by praying to God for His will to be done. At its' core, prayer proves a person recognizes God as all-powerful and is aware that His help is needed in every circumstance. Some people ask why we should pray if God already knows everything anyway, but prayer has a way of humbling our heart and helping us realize that we desperately need God. Some people go through life thinking they can handle everything on their own, but a true follower of Christ consistently admits "I need God." Paul does give his readers one thing to make a matter of prayer - "that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ...that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak." His passion was speaking the gospel in every situation and bringing those who were far from God close to Him through salvation in Jesus Christ (4:3-4). Along with prayer, Paul also commands them to "walk in wisdom toward those who are outside [unbelievers], redeeming the time." Christ- followers should use every opportunity to make a difference in the life of those who are far from God. One of the ways this can be done is to "let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." The words we speak to unbelievers should be gentle (grace), yet at the same time convicting (seasoned with salt). Salt not only brings flavor, but also preserves. Our words should carry the life-giving power of Jesus Christ who has saved us from sin and offers new life to anyone who will repent of sin and turn by faith to Him. So, Paul challenges his readers to be alert in prayer and speak the gospel in every situation. In verses 7-14 Paul mentions the names of many faithful followers of Christ and expresses his thankfulness to them for their work in the ministry. As this letter comes to a close, may we be challenged to live out our faith and stand against those who teach those things which are contrary to it.


Dear God, help my faith to be public and demonstrated in a way that would draw people to You.