The If's

Colossians 1:29

Since I left 3M Company, my mind has been focused on now I can do what I desire.  But as I am writing this I must admit that I never gave much thought to landscaping, spending time in the yard, or doing housework, but all of the above have become a major part of my time.  Often, I get tired from moving dirt or rocks, we have an abundance of rocks, and my thoughts go to; if I was younger, if I had the means to hire this job out, if someone would come to my aid and give me a hand.  However, I have been blessed to have neighbors who have been tremendous help and encouragement!

Then I think about the Christian life, it seems that so few carry the load for the many.  It seems as if only a few give to support the ministry, only a few will work with the children, and only a few will visit the sick, and when it comes to sharing the good news of redemption in Christ Jesus, the numbers are so small in comparisons to the Sunday worship crowd.  And in most Baptist churches you find some very tired people who just wish someone would come to their aid and give them a hand.

I have great news for all who have wrestled with the “Ifs.”  We have someone, who has been there at each step, but you and I have been too busy focused on the job at hand to notice.  The apostle Paul knew that his calling was beyond his human abilities, that he needed someone else; he needed strength and power that was beyond him. 

In fact I’m sure that Paul was not a Baptist, because he never thought he could accomplish this task of being an apostle to the Gentiles.  Verse 29, gives us the understanding of Paul’s thinking; “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”   Paul understood that his job was to obey orders, to abide in the Spirit, and to allow Jesus to do it all for him.  Paul toiled and struggled, but he understood that Christ in him was the source of his power and strength.

Have we forgotten what the apostle told us earlier in this chapter; “May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” (Colossians 1:11,12)  A soldier in the Christian army will have many hardships, but the Spirit of God will give him the ability to endure and the patience to see the hand of God working.  Where others get frustrated, the Spirit of God will give you joy in the middle of your worst storm, and you will find yourself giving thanks when others are in despair.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice