Colossians 1:1-2
Paul is the main writer (along with Timothy) of this letter to the church in Colossae. The letter starts in pretty much the same way that Paul begins all his letters: identifying the writer (Paul and Timothy) along with his authority (Paul - apostle of Christ; Timothy - brother), identifying the audience (the church in Colossae) and greeting them with grace and peace from God.
The description of the audience is what captures my attention in these verses: God's holy people, the faithful brothers and sisters. That is quite the commendation from Paul. I recognize, of course, that all who have placed their hope in Jesus Christ are declared holy by God and are therefore God's holy people but in conjuction with the commendation for being faithful, this has more than just the legal declaration of holiness - it gives the impression that the Colossian Christians hadn't just been made holy by God but that they were living holy lives.
I wonder if my life could be summed up in that way? Am I one of God's holy people? Would Paul be able to commend me as being a faithful brother? I mean, I work hard in the church but I also know what my private life is like and what my motivations often are. I want to be holy. Even more than Paul's commendation, would I be able to earn Christ's commendation: "well done, good and faithful servant." Pretty much the same thing (good=holy and faithful=faithful - brilliant, aren't I?) but so much more significant coming from Christ (I think I could possibly fool Paul but I know that I couldn't fool Jesus).
I also wonder if the fruit of my ministry indicates my own holiness and faithfulness. I know that I am not entirely responsible for the choices all my students will make but I also believe that at some level I have been entrusted to teach them well and to model holiness and faithfulness for them and if I am doing that well, I should see it in their lives. There are some of my students who are living holy and faithful lives but i really think that holiness and faithfulness are not much in fashion these days. I hope, by the grace of God, that my life can be a counter-cultural expample of holiness and faith.
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1 comment:
I think we all long to be called faithful servant. I also think the fact that you are worried about it shows that you are wanting it so bad. People who don't care don't think about it. Some students no matter how much we model holiness and faithfulness will never get it, or maybe they will later down the road. We are called to be faithful ourselves and God will do the rest of the work, just keep being faithful.
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