Optional No Longer
I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Paul understood Jesus Christ to be the mystery of the ages – the knowledge and wisdom of God. His ministry was to make Christ known to people. Here in Colossians 2 he states his purpose: to encourage the hearts of people and to see them united in love with one another. It is then that the mystery of Christ can be known.Encouragement and unity are important we know, but do we realize just how important? Without them people will not know the mystery of God, namely Christ. Discouragement of heart and disunity in the church block people from having ‘the full riches of complete understanding.’ In Jesus are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, but discouragement and divided people will never know Him fully as He wants to be known.So Paul’s ministry was to encourage the hearts of people and promote unity in the Body of Christ. This is so valuable, vital and crucial! Too often I have considered encouragement and unity as added blessings… nice if you can have them… but not absolutely necessary. These are not optional for ministry – they’re must-haves! Encouragement of people’s hearts and unity in the church must be promoted, protected and expected! Otherwise the gospel will not take root and people will not know Jesus.Thank You, Father for raising the value of these in my heart and mind this morning. Raise me up and strengthen my heart that I might be a champion for ‘encouragement of hearts’ and ‘unity in the church’ for Your Kingdom today.
Colossians 2:1-3
Paul understood Jesus Christ to be the mystery of the ages – the knowledge and wisdom of God. His ministry was to make Christ known to people. Here in Colossians 2 he states his purpose: to encourage the hearts of people and to see them united in love with one another. It is then that the mystery of Christ can be known.Encouragement and unity are important we know, but do we realize just how important? Without them people will not know the mystery of God, namely Christ. Discouragement of heart and disunity in the church block people from having ‘the full riches of complete understanding.’ In Jesus are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, but discouragement and divided people will never know Him fully as He wants to be known.So Paul’s ministry was to encourage the hearts of people and promote unity in the Body of Christ. This is so valuable, vital and crucial! Too often I have considered encouragement and unity as added blessings… nice if you can have them… but not absolutely necessary. These are not optional for ministry – they’re must-haves! Encouragement of people’s hearts and unity in the church must be promoted, protected and expected! Otherwise the gospel will not take root and people will not know Jesus.Thank You, Father for raising the value of these in my heart and mind this morning. Raise me up and strengthen my heart that I might be a champion for ‘encouragement of hearts’ and ‘unity in the church’ for Your Kingdom today.
