Today’s reading: Colossians 4:7-18
I love how everything we read in the Bible contains lessons for us, and that is certainly the case with Paul’s “signing off” paragraphs to the believers in Colossae. Although Paul’s purpose in these final comments wasn’t instructional teaching, what he had to say still contains some important lessons.
One dominant message that came across was that the body of Christ and the Christian community are necessary for each of us. Paul was a strong and solid Christ-follower, and yet it’s obvious from his words that he absolutely needed other people. We see him naming his friends who were supporting and encouraging him—Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, Demas.
God is a relational God, and He created us in His image to function at our best in community, working alongside and supporting and encouraging one another. These words found in verse 11 speak volumes about our need for relationships at many levels with other Christ-followers, whether it’s up close and personal or with those in other parts of the world or even among different churches.
“These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me” (vs. 11).
Who is your “community”? In other words, who is or has been a Christian friend and support for you? Think of an actual face or two. If you’re having difficulty identifying your community, what steps can and will you take this week to get more connected with other Christ-followers? Tami
P.S. I realize that COVID-19 complicates things a bit, but if we ever needed the support that community offers, it is now! I have been intentional about being part of two Bible studies since the coronavirus ramped up in March. We have been connecting via phone and Zoom, and both have provided all of us with much-needed encouragement. All that to say, we need each other!
Source: Tami’s Blog
