Colossians  4 - Principles of Christian Life

        Well, I’m sad to come to the end of Colossians.  But I know 1 Thessalonians is calling out.  I can’t wait to dig into the “T” section of the New Testament.

        It’s a good time of year.  Thanksgiving.  Moving quickly into Christmas.  A time to be thankful, to fellowship, and to focus on the fact that Christ came to earth on a rescue mission.  And that God is building His people - with Providential guidance and wisdom.  A time to think about the new year and to plan.  It’s a time to reflect on the best books we’ve read over the last year and to make some goals for the coming season.  What will we do?  And what will we definitely stop doing!  And a time for great food, and rich fellowship with friends and family.  Let’s dive into this holiday season more resolved than ever to live for Christ.

        In these final words of this letter, Paul, from prison mind you, set out a message of encouragement.  There is no regret in his voice.  No lamenting over the fact he didn’t build a great family name, build a mansion, devote his life to his country or his employer, or the accumulation of wealth.  None of that.  Paul, long after his convicting trip to Damascus (Acts 9 and 26) was still on fire for Jesus Christ.

        We know very well that Christian service is a team game.  We don’t succeed as lone warriors.  We succeed as Christ’s body, functioning in unity and harmony.  Teamwork takes sacrifice, hard work, and good coaching.  In the Christian life, we all work hard.  There are no armchair quarterbacks in the Army of God.  It's old-time hockey, with player coaches.  Paul showed that in spades as he led from the front lines just as Jesus showed all His disciples to lead.  Christian leaders are servant leaders.  We roll up our sleeves and think of creative ways to emulate Christ and serve Him in our areas of influence.

        For my grandsons and my sons, a quick message to you.  I pray that you serve well.  I know you will.  This means working hard for God and for your families.  Don't keep score.  Pray for your families and do what it takes to help them succeed.  Do the stuff no one else wants to do.  Yes, that means cleaning the bathrooms and other crap jobs.  Follow Paul's example and earn your own way.  Work multiple jobs (and teach the Bible well).  Vacuum, fix the roof, paint what needs to be painted, budget, plan, and sacrifice.  Lead from the front.  Have fun.  Be generous.  And wise.  Be good stewards.  And be creative.  Ya, you'll fail.  So what.  Get back up.  I can't wait to see how you do.  Serving God and trusting God is the good life.

        I think Paul was fun to serve with.  Unlike the other disciples he didn’t have a wife, but I think he was definitely a man’s man.  And while Barnabas gets the reputation as the best encourager in the New Testament, I think Paul is right up there.  He tells Timothy that he’s got what it takes (he did!).  I think he encouraged the whole team that way.  Paul's the opposite of a legalist.  He knew freedom in Christ.  He lived it.  He’s the type of leader we need today.  He spoke well of his whole team, his “beloved brothers” who served Jesus with him (4:7).

        Paul shows Christian resolve despite the odds.  Despite the circumstances.  He shows the Christian principle of the need for transparency in Christian service.  Tychicus was to give a full report - as if Paul’s detailed letter was not enough!  Do our churches today act like cities on a hill - good, godly for all to see?  The Christian life is not nocturnal.  We are people of the Light.  Let’s act like it.  Similarly, Paul says that Onesimus would explain everything that was happening (4:9).  Paul’s bench was deep.  Everyone plays an essential role on God’s team.

        Paul instructed that his letter to the Colossians be passed on to the other churches.  Likewise, his letter to the Laodiceans was to be copied and read in Colossae (we’ll get to see that letter in heaven - wanna bet that it is a message to have undivided loyalty to God (Rev. 3)).  The point is - be transparent and provide open and full reports.

        You can hear in Paul’s voice how much he and the whole team cared for the Church in Colossae.  They were devoted to prayer with alert minds and thankful hearts.  They prayed earnestly and prayed hard (4:12-13).

        We also see the Christian principle here of living wisely among those who are not believers (4:5).  It matters.  Never be engaged in activities that dishonor Christ.  What a shame that modern Christianity has become synonymous with hypocrisy, selfishness, prosperity preaching, and leadership greed.  I pray that God's people show by our love for God and our actions what it means to be transformed into a new life in Christ.

        Paul knew the dynamite power of the Holy Spirit-led church.  Since his letter from prison to the Colossians the Church of Jesus Christ has grown as Jesus promised it would.    The message of God’s mysterious plan concerning Christ has been preached by beloved brothers and faithful servants of Christ as it will until Christ returns.

        Paul, Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Barnabas, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, Demas, all the brothers at Laodicea, Nympha, and the church that meets in her house.  Paul lists a lot of believers.  Add to that list your name.  We are part of God’s growing family.  May we serve Christ well.  And live by His principles.

        We are truly grateful Lord God for the family of God, for Your principles of teamwork, transparency, and fellowship.  And we humbly pray you will use us to help build Your Church.  Amen.

Kari, in the backyard of our Florida house (circa, 2010).