December 8th
Tenth Day of Advent
It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.
Colossians 1:28 and 29
Paul toils and struggles for the Colossians. Why? Because Paul seeks to present everyone mature in Christ…
In one verse, Paul uses the word everyone three times. Everyone includes, well…everyone. Jew and Greek. Male and female. Slave and free. Black and white. Hispanic and Asian. Poor and rich. Jesus desires everyone to know Him, and not just know Him…to be mature in Him. Paul is framing his letter by clearly identifying his purpose in writing to the Colossians.
But this purpose raises an interesting question… We know the Colossians understand and believe the gospel. We know of the good fruit within the church in Colossae. And yet, Paul still writes to the Colossians seeking to present them mature in Christ. I wonder… are the Colossians confused? Do the Colossians see their faith and life as already being mature in Christ?
Do we wonder the same about our faith? We may understand and believe in the gospel. We may be feeding the hungry, serving as elders, teaching Sunday school, leading worship, sharing the gospel with neighbors. Our lives may be producing good fruit. And yet, Paul continues to call us to maturity in Christ. Why? Because… in Christ we are continually being transformed, continually growing in maturity.
Christians often put Paul on a pedestal, seeing his faith as being beyond our reach. Yet, Paul calls us to maturity in Christ, to a faith like his… not a perfect faith, but a flourishing faith, a faith that constantly grows because of a willingness to follow Jesus.
Paul is an apostle - on mission with Jesus.
Paul prays without ceasing – in an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Paul is a servant of the gospel – obedient to Jesus.
Paul rejoices in his suffering for the gospel – joyfully living sacrificially for the gospel.
Paul feels called to make the gospel fully known – sharing the gospel with everyone.
Paul understands the peace, joy and wholeness that comes from a fully lived faith. He invites all of us to experience the same. During this season of expectation, let us meditate on Jesus’ invitation to everyone… an invitation into continuous and deeper maturity in Christ.
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