Still reading Wiersbe's book. He's focusing now on the part where Paul defends his ministry and his right to speak into the lives of the Colossians. (Col. 1:21 - 2:3). Interesting, isn't it, that even in Paul's day there were spin meisters? They likely used Paul's imprisonment to cast doubts about his character. Nevermind that he was in prison precisely because he was a faithful minister of the gospel who would not compromise for the sake of his own comfort or ease.

Let's face it. Suffering is not something any of us would choose, but Paul's amazing commitment to the gospel demonstrates that he fully understood and joyfully embraced the implications of his choice. If his own suffering meant that the gospel was being shared and people's lives were being changed, Paul counted it an honor that he was chosen for the task.

Wiersbe writes, "There was a time when Paul had persecuted the church and caused it to suffer. But now Paul devoted his life to the care of the church. Paul did not ask, as do some believers, 'What will I get out of it?' Instead he asked, 'How much will God let me put into it?'"

What a timely word in a world where people "church shop" to find the church that "meets their needs" or makes them comfortable or has just the right kind of music or the right minister. Paul would not have understood that way of thinking. Nor should we.

Take aways

It has been a while since I've been able to post because of the job situation, but yesterday I spent some time reading and I thought I'd share some take aways. I read both in Colossians and from a book by Warner Wiersbe called Be Complete, which is a commentary on Colossians. Just a few random thoughts from both:

I was struck by this statement, which defines faith according to Scripture: "Faith is not mental assent to a body of doctrines, no matter how true those doctrines may be. Faith is not emotional concern. Faith is commitment to Jesus Christ." Did you catch that? Commitment. Not belief in or respect for Jesus Christ. Commitment to Jesus Christ. There's action in this.

The next statement that stood out to me expounds on this idea. Wiersbe told about a missionary who was translating the Bible and struggled to find the right translation for the word "believe." He finally got it. It means "to lean your whole weight upon." So faith is about not just about believing or hoping for good things from the Universe. It's about staking your life on Jesus Christ, leaning your whole weight on him, committing fully to him.

The other thing that struck me as I read was Wiersbe's discussion of "false teachers." He noted that false teachers always work where there is already an established group of believers. Their purpose is to entice people to follow them and their new and better revelation. Weirsbe says, "We are not to make disciples for ourselves, but for Jesus Christ."

My devotion reading this morning said something similar. It comes from Corinthians:

"He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." —1 Corinthians 1:8–9

1st thing that jumps out at me: GOD WILL DO THIS for He is FAITHFUL. (Ah, what a relief!)

2nd thing: "Partnership with Jesus Christ" Wow. What a thought!? Partnership? In what kind of business? In the business of reconciling the world to himself, of course. That's a pretty amazing thought, isn't it? How am I participating in his work? AM I participating? What am I doing as his partner to redeem the world, to bring hope, to set people free, to care for the poor, the widow and orphan, and to show his love to others?

Epaphras got this. Otherwise, there would have been no Colossian church. If he were like these false teachers, he would have stayed in Ephesus, where he had worked with Paul, and worked on building his own kingdom in Paul's absence. He was a partner with Jesus. And his heart was all about keeping the focus on Jesus. He wanted to be sure the Colossians continued to lean their whole weight upon Jesus--and nothing else. It's a good caution, isn't it? Is our leadership all about getting people to follow us--or to follow Christ?