May 25 2021
Today, Tuesday May 25
“To Fulfill the Word of God” Colossians 1:24-25 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,
I have often said that if there are no believers in the community around me my first responsibility is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them so that they might believe and trust Jesus Christ to be their own personal Lord and Savior. But if there are those who are already believers and claim to be Christians, then my responsibility is to serve them in such a way that I can lead them to spiritual maturity.
The biggest hindrance or obstacle for the unbeliever in becoming a Christ follower is usually the person around them that claims to be a Christian but has no evidence of a changed or transformed life about them.
It is obvious in these last verses of Colossians 1:24-29, that the concern and the goal of the Apostle Paul was that the believers would grow into spiritual maturity. He would gladly suffer in prison, in being beaten, mock and ridiculed, in being falsely accused and even rejoice in that suffering, if it would benefit and encourage others to live for Jesus also.
Notice Paul really believed that he was given a “stewardship” from God. This was a responsibility for which he was accountable to God for. He was made a minister, a servant to help the saints grow into spiritual maturity and by endeavoring to do this he would fulfill the word of God.
What a blessing to be on mission with God fulfilling His Word in the lives of those around us. What are you doing today to bless and encourage others around you to be better Christians? Are you willing to suffer and be afflicted for their sake? Are you ready to give up your right to yourself and lay aside your goals and ambition so that others may find their fulfilment in life in Christ Jesus?
Apparently, this is what Paul lived and suffer for! May the Lord give us willing and surrendered hearts and lives to do the same!
God bless!