Colossians__4

Scripture

Colossians 4:6

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to respond to answer everyone.

 

Observation

Paul finishes his letter with some final remarks and greetings, and within these remarks he makes comment of conversation with others. He also finishes his letter off by granting grace to all those who read it, which also seems to be what he urges others to do in conversation with one another.

 

Understanding

So imagine with me for a second a girl who is extremely competitive… just imagine, she’s totally made up… maybe…

Anyway, in elementary school she would get so upset if she lost a game of four square that she would take the ball and chuck it across the playground. Simply because, if she couldn’t play, no one could… then all the little kids would tell on Allison… errr I mean… they would tell on girl and she should get in trouble by the yard duty (who may or may not have been her mom). Okay you can stop imagining now.

This is how I picture our political climate right now. Everyone is so competitive with their opinions that they completely disregard the other opinion (or the other people playing four square). But Paul says to let our conversations be full of grace. Grace is something that was freely granted to us, so it should be just as easily poured on others in conversation even when their viewpoint may not match our own. I might even go further as to say especially when they their viewpoint does not match our own.

The Message translation puts it this way:

Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out. The way I’ve been thinking about it is that we have been taking the wrong weapons to the fight against our nation. We have responded to hate with more hate, rather than combatting it with love. We should not seek to limit conversation with people, but instead encourage it in a healthy and productive manner. Of course I have to quote a historical figure, as I always do, so in the great words of Martin Luther King Junior: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

 

Life Application

I know that more than ever loving is easier said than done, but here’s where you can start: before taking to social media consider those who are following you, rather than stirring the pot look to have meaningful and gracious conversations in person. Intentionally work harder to be understanding and loving in these crazy times. Do an act of kindness for someone! Who knows maybe it will spill over and create a ripple effect.

-Allison Khan

Colossians__3

Scripture

Colossians 3:23

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

Observation-What does it say?

Paul writes a letter to the Colossians to encourage and remind them of their new life in Christ. Paul tells them that they are God's new creation, that their old and sinful ways should be buried and dead to this world. And now is the time to live a new life, a life filled with Christ. A life filled with the attributes of Jesus Christ.

Understanding-What does it mean?

We all have a boss to serve...and His name is Jesus.

We've all been in a workplace or situations where we have to submit to people who are in authority over us that we may not particularly like. While others may defy them, Jesus calls us to submit to their authority. Work willingly for them, as though we were working for the Lord rather than people-(vs. 23). This is a great reminder for me in my workplace. I know there are times for me when I feel under appreciated or disrespected, and I just think to myself, "what's the point?!" I mean here I am giving work my all, and management is gonna come back and not even acknowledge the hard work?! If anything they either criticize it or give me even more work to do! Ugh! Then I remember this verse. It reminds me that Jesus is watching. He sees the works that I am doing. It is Him who I am trying to please. Then I'm also reminded that as a Christ follower others around me are watching as well. They are observing how I am reacting to certain situations. That is even more incentive to work happily and willingly. This way when others may fold and break under those difficult circumstances, I can remain steadfast. Then others may ask "how I'm able to do it?" I can simply say it is my Lord and Savior Jesus who gives me strength to do so, and He is the One I work for!

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NIV

Life Application

It's all about the attitude.

No matter what comes my way today, I'm going to come at it with a grateful heart, knowing that Jesus is with me, and understanding that He is in control. Understanding that He has a purpose behind everything, whether good or bad. It's up to me and how I carry my attitude, which can help determine how I can use those situations to glorify Him.

-Moses Gaddi

Jeremiah_1

Scripture:

Jeremiah 1:5-8⁵ “Before I formed you in the womb I knew^[a] you,    before you were born I set you apart;    I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”⁶ “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”⁷ But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. ⁸ Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

Observation:

These verses capture the calling of Jeremiah and what became a 40-year ministry. 

Understanding:

Jeremiah was resistant to God’s calling.  He was believed to be around 17 years old at the time of this conversation where God makes clear His calling and plan for Jeremiah. Imagine that, 17-years-old and hearing – it seems rather clearly – that you are to be a prophet over nations – “appoint[ed] over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” (vs 10)It sounds big and bold and exciting…and maybe overwhelming?  So, it makes sense that Jeremiah’s first response is one of resistance, hesitation, excuse – “I am too young.”  God is not one for taking excuses though.  Remember, He created us for such a time as this, with a plan and purpose in mind.  So, God’s response is…⁵ “Before I formed you in the womb I knew^[a] you,    before you were born I set you apart;    I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”“Jeremiah was already a young man, but God wanted him to know that his call went back even further than his youth. Jeremiah existed in the mind and plan of God before he ever existed in his mother’s womb. God told Jeremiah this so that he could walk in God’s pre-ordained plan by his own will.” [https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/jeremiah-1/]With God there is no too young, too old, too smart, too dumb, too crippled, too broken/lost, too good…God is able to use us in whatever stage we are in and He is able to equip us and surround us (whether with people or resources) to accomplish whatever He has called us to do. Our role is simply to listen for the call, then go obediently towards it.  God will fill in the rest. 

Life Application:

Simple…listen, trust, go.“You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.” (vs. 7)Rei