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Abounding in Thanksgiving

For I want you to know how greatly I strive for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in love, to have all the riches of assured understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, of Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with beguiling speech. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so live in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. [Colossians 2:1-7]



Paul's first statement points to the fact that we should not only be in constant prayer, but that we should pray for even those people we don't know personally — pray for those beyond our close circle of friends, beyond our "sphere of influence." Weekly individuals pray for every single person on the rolls at my church, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, in Richmond. Paul tells us that is only the beginning. We also must be in prayer for our neighborhood, our community, our country and our world — all inclusive. We pray for fellow Christians, and especially pray for non-Christians that they may somehow receive the saving words of salvation. Paul assures the Colossians that they are in his constant, ardent prayers.



In order to remain strong as a Christian community, Paul exhorts the Colossians to be encouraged as they "are knit together in love" and that as they minister to each other, their understanding of Christ's message becomes more and more clear and rules their lives more and more. Wisdom and knowledge are not hidden in this verse, as in secreted away, out of sight, but rather hidden away like a valued treasure, a family heirloom — to guard and protect it and to ensure its continued integrity.



Bottom line is, the Colossians have heard the good news. It's now time to put into action what they know and believe. They shouldn't need to be reminded over and over what it means to be a Christian. Paul's saying, "keep up the good work!" But he also reminds them to stay rooted in Christ, and to keep each other on the right path. Don't be influenced by what the world tells you, or promises you. Don't believe everything you hear and see. Test everything against the one real truth that has been revealed to us through Christ Jesus.



What does all that mean for us today? I think it means that we are to continue to seek a broader meaning and a deeper understanding of God's divine word revealed through scripture. I think we're compelled to guard our faith — stay grounded in it — make it the thing we draw on for wisdom, for strength, and for good judgment. Teach that truth to our children, our friends, and to the world. View the world through the eyes of a Christian, and vote responsibly, support organizations that promote our Christian values. More than that it means that we live in utter and absolute reliance upon God, faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Our triune God offers us everything we need to live. And we are to celebrate that amazing, unspeakable gift of grace. Abounding in thanksgiving, we are to offer ourselves as "living sacrifices."



I hope you spend today rejoicing in the truth, abounding in thanksgiving and offering yourself as a living sacrifice to an unsaved world.



Mary Moss of Richmond is the author of www.momprays.com.