"I want you to know
how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many
other believers who have never met me personally. I want them to be
encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have
complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ
himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
I am telling
you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. For
though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are
living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong." - Colossians 2:1-5
Paul's pastoral heart rises up again - love for people he has never met. How is that possible?
His desire? that they "be encouraged" that they be "knit together by strong ties of love." I've heard people say, you don't need church or community to be a Christian. How far from the truth! 21st century American independence and individualism has invaded the thought life of believers. God designed Christians for community and community for Christians. We need one another - the grace that community provides. Transformation will happen at a snail's pace without Christian community. "Blest be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love." I pray that the people of The Vine will develop this kind of love for one another.
Paul also wants them to have complete confidence in understanding "God's mysterious plan" - the Gospel. Paul knows that people will come to test and deceive. Some will try to pull them back into Judaistic legalism, others into licentiousness - sin more so that grace may increase.
There are many "well crafted arguments" in our day and age. I mentioned one at the beginning of this meditation - God loves everyone so all roads lead to God.
Know what you believe and why. Stand strong. Don't turn off your brain but use the gifts that God has given you to stand strong.
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