Scripture:
Colossians 2: 1- 5
I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
Observation:
Paul expresses his struggle for others and the reason he is dealing with this struggle. It is to see people encouraged in their heart, united in their love and experiencing the full riches of Christ. Paul is a leader who wants the best for those that he leads and deeply wants them to know Christ. He wants them to have the deep treasure opened to them: wisdom and knowledge. Here we find the phrase, “even thought I am not there, I am with you in spirit.” This statement has been met with misunderstanding and confusion. There is nothing like having someone with you, attending a party, at home etc. when you would like them there. All the statements of “my heart is with you” or “I am with you in spirit” mean very little when you would like them there with you. But I understand this. There are people in my life that even when I am not with them, I am caring for them, praying for them and in some cases struggling because I cannot see them. Struggling, like Paul, contending in the spirit to see it go well with them and their faith confirmed in Christ.
Application:
Do you struggle for others to know the Lord? Do you struggle and contend for people to have an encouraged heart and to live in unity of love? Do you struggle to see people live in the fullness of Christ? To some these questions are answered quickly with a ‘yes!’ But to others, they are not that concerned for others, but certainly should be. Do you have people in your life that you long to see? Ones for whom you pray, and when you are away from them you are with them in spirit? Our hearts, attitude, prayers, faith can be pulling for people, even when we are not with them. There are some that I truly miss a lot as I write this, but I will, even while being absent from them, think of them, pray for them and contend for them in the faith. May we all grow more concerned for others and there for people even when we are not there with people.
Prayer:
Lord, help the people I lead to grow deeper in you. Help those that I have not seen in some time, continue to grow in you. There are some that I truly miss, some that I long to see, I hope they are doing well Lord. I believe for them, contend with them, think of them fondly and am with them in spirit. May your Spirit be with them and fill them. In Jesus Name, Amen
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