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My goal 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.
Colossians 2:2-3

The apostle Paul is writing about why he does what he does. He wants to spread the news and knowledge of Jesus.

I find it interesting that he describes this knowledge as the “mystery of God.” He doesn’t suggest he has answers about God — rather the mystery of God. Even though it’s a mystery, it still contains all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Sometimes God’s mysterious ways can be frustrating. We’d prefer that Paul shared God’s answers. But we need to remember that the process of understanding Jesus and this mystery is what brings knowledge and wisdom. Recognizing that God is a mystery is wisdom.

Love the mystery! Sometimes there is no clear answer… But we can find truth amidst the mystery of Jesus.

Be God’s — every day.

And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. The peace of Christ must control your hearts—a peace into which you were called in one body.
Colossians 3:14-15

I’ve always enjoyed these two verses as a good summary of what our temperament should be: focused on love and peace. Sounds a bit hippy I suppose… But wouldn’t we all be better off if these were our primary virtues?

From ideas as grandiose as world peace to as simple as having a good day at work, if we spent our energy loving others and living at peace — with ourselves and others — what wouldn’t be better off?

Notice how Paul doesn’t say to wait for others to be ruled by love… Or for others to have the peace of Christ rule in their hearts. We can’t control how others respond — nor should it matter. This is what we are called to do regardless.

Be God’s — every day.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23

Probably one of the more central themes of the Bible: God is a worker and is pleased when we work.

Being a Christian is a verb. We are to serve. Christ’s example was one of service. In all things we do, we are supposed to have a servant’s spirit and put others before ourselves.

Our daily work is not immune from this. “Whatever” we do, we are told to put our full energies into it, as if we are serving God. With our lives as a testament to God the Father, we do serve God in all we do.

Be God’s — every day.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

According to the apostle Paul, our membership in the church should be marked by peace. This peace is more than coming to agreement on what is right and wrong. It is a symbol to the world of what being a Christian means.

When we decide to make Jesus the focus of our own lives and of the church mission, His rule will challenge our egos, any envy, or disagreements to stand aside in pursuit of proclaiming his word. The world sees when a church is not at peace. It invades mission, destructs personal discipleship, and makes any evangelism seem insincere.

Pray for peace among us all — YPC and beyond. Let Christ rule in us, and let that peace shine to the world.

Be God’s — every day.

We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Colossians 1:28-29

Ministry can be hard work. Whether it is in a formal teaching/leading role, or in the more common day-to-day ministry of all believers, it can be a struggle to keep going or to find the right words.

In fact, these struggles are often the reason why we shy away from the day-to-day ministry God calls every single one of us to do. We might be afraid we won’t have the right answer, or might say the wrong thing.

Of course, a little preparation doesn’t hurt. Knowing the truth you share is a helpful tool. But, don’t hesitate to rely on the energy that God provides.. God gives you the power to proclaim Him. He has equipped you to tell your story. That truth may be what it takes to show someone the love of Christ, meant for us all.

Be God’s — every day.

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
Colossians 2:9-10

There is more boldness in this statement when you put it in context. Greek tradition believed in demigods… Humans who took on such greatness that they become heroes and god-like. This bold verse isn’t declaring that Christ became god-like, but rather that God became Christ. He was God.

The verse goes further. Because Christ was God, he was above everything else.. He was not just a man doing great things, or a great leader and inspirer. Rather, he was God, and as such had more authority and power than the other authorities and demigods of their culture.

I have a hard time grasping the whole Trinity thing sometimes. If you try to apply human principles and logic, it just doesn’t work. We need to accept fully human, fully God image of Christ as a great mystery — yet a sign of the wonderful power and grace of God.

Be God’s — every day.