Colossians Part Four
By Johnny Angel
Colossians 2:[1] For I want you to know how greatly I strive for you, and
for those at
La-odice'a, and for all who have not seen my face, [2] 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, [3] in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge. [4] I say this in order that no one may delude you with
beguiling speech. [5] 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 (RSV).
This passage is especially comforting to me right now as my pastor
leaves to go to another church that God has called him to. The
concept in this passage helped me to get through saying goodbye at
graduation and saying goodbye each time one of my new friends
leaves. I'm referring to not being with someone physically but being
united with them spiritually. They may be hundreds of miles away, but
spiritually they are right next door. Christians have Christ in common.
They have all come to know Him through the plan of salvation. In Him,
we can begin to understand the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
The more we seek Him, the more we will know. We may never see
each other on earth, but we will all be together in heaven! And while
we're here on earth, we can pray for one another. We are all part of
the family of God if we have been born again. One day we will all be
together. But when we pray for one another, it's sort of like reaching
out and saying hi to one another.
One other important concept here is that people may come along with
lots of smooth talk and present a different belief to you. Some will try to
add or take away from what the Bible says like many people in Colosse
were doing at the time. True wisdom and knowledge is of God. It
doesn't matter how neat a different philosophy sounds. In the required
philosophy course that I'm taking right now, we are learning that
experience is one way we form our beliefs. I know from experience
that God is real. I've had too many close calls. I've seen God get me
out of too many situations. I've seen too many prayers answered. I
have learned that the more I seek God, the more I know. I grow in
wisdom and knowledge. My faith changes from believing in a Bible
character and an invisible God to know the Creator of the Universe
who makes Himself known to me through answered prayers.