And So I Continue . . . . . .
I am so thankful that God planned this day for me, and this is the day I would study in the book of Colossians. Sometimes, even though I may have read or studied a passage previously, I find that the Bible is alive and real, and through it God teaches me something new each and every time, without a doubt. Today, I learned that no matter who, what, or when I do anything, I must do all well and "heartily" for the Lord's sake - not mine nor men. And when we obey the Lord; talk about icing on the cake - not only can we do whatever we do as if unto the Lord; but our reward will come from God; and His retirement plan is "out of this world"! It makes absolutely no sense that He would reward us with an inheritance simply for applying this principle of working wholeheartedly, but these verses give us incentive to keep the right attitude and perspective in all things, "as unto the Lord" should be our motto.
Let me give you my understanding and a little background on our verses; Paul is incarcerated and visited by Epaphras who had just come from the Church of Colossae where he preached, and he was concerned that the church was in danger through some false teachers that had got among them. These deceivers were introducing the "philosophy" of the Gentiles, people who are not from the twelve tribes of Israel and had an entirely different mindset on God, idols etc. Epaphras reported that he had preached, and the people had received the message of the Gospel gladly and supported him and they had a great love for the preachers sent their way that spoke the true Gospel. But he was greatly concerned about the false teachers that were infiltrating and causing doubt in the saints' minds of all that he had taught, and he took this report to Paul while he was in Prison.
Paul then writes this letter of encouragement, and we get the benefit as well. Paul reminded them of the teaching of Epaphras and tells them that he preached as Paul preached and they were to guard themselves from those bad men who would deceive them with their principles. There are many false teachers in the world today, and God warned us of them in Scripture. These verses particularly come to mind. 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. Folks, they are in our churches, homes, neighborhoods, community and with social media as we know it today, they spread their philosophies everywhere. Beware!
Paul strongly encouraged or exhorted the church to continue in their duty to God, men, and one another. This is an awesome truth for all believers. It is NOT about us; it is ALL about Him. Once saved, this truth can shape your mindset and understanding of the kingdom of God and where we will be going one day.
When we understand that God wants to be glorified in everything we do, we will fulfill His commandments. It doesn't matter whether it be big or small. All we need to do is work at it for the Lord's sake not for any other reason. These verses are an incredible revelation knowing that the Lord will reward us for the work we do here on earth. Praise the LORD!
So, I want to ask you, do you feel as though your efforts, for the Lord, are nothing compared to others? Are you concerned that you are not doing your part? Maybe that is the Holy Spirit reminding you of what you should be doing? Pray - God will give you discernment on His path for your life. The work of pastors and missionaries, while important, does not carry any more weight with God than you, or from anyone in some other station of life. Whether you are a deacon, Sunday schoolteacher, janitor, salesman, accountant, housewife; any title you want to put on yourself, as long as we are sharing the truth of the Gospel with others, God is pleased. We do not need to be in full-time ministry to work for the Lord. Why? because it is not what YOU do; it is Who you do it for!
When the Gospel is given in love and compassion, as the Lord taught, it will not go out void! Isaiah 55:10-11 says, “As the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, . . . So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void” (KJV). Share the Gospel with someone today. If it is a stranger, family member, friend - don't worry about what or how you say it; your effort will be blessed by God. Carry Gospel tracts with you everywhere you go. Leave them everywhere you go. If you need some tracts, contact me; we print 10's of thousands of them at the printing ministry. Make sure you are the one that shares the Gospel Truth, not mans.
May the Lord bless you really good today! Go out and win one for the Lord. The HARVEST is full, God just needs us to GO.
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