Day 117/260: Read Colossians 4

“I’m going to say what I have to say and if you are offended that’s your problem, not mine.” Have you ever thought this way?

Perhaps we have overreacted and overcorrected when it comes to “political correctness.” There are some folks who won’t say anything and won’t stand for anything for fear of offending someone. Then there are others who are brash and rude and don’t care in the least what others think.

As with most things, there is a better way of doing things. Inspiration is crystal clear that Christians should “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3). Peter tells us that we should “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you,” but he also qualifies that statement, saying that we should do so “with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).

Here is how Paul put it: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6). Speak in such a way that even if someone disagrees with what you say, you won’t leave a bitter taste in their mouth because of how you say it.

We need a little more salt in our speech. Do not attack others who disagree with you; seek to understand them, find common ground, and work from there.

Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)

Colossians 3:1. If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Pray

Pray for wisdom in teaching and leading others to Christ.

Day 116/260: Read Colossians 3

It is almost as if Paul was speaking to 21st century America when he wrote the third chapter of Colossians. “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornications, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry…But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.”

There is too much hatred in this world. Hatred of some because of skin color, hatred of others because of their chosen profession. It needs to stop.

We must take seriously Paul’s charge to “Seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.”

We must understand that racism is wrong, that we are all humans, and that in Christ “there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarians, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.”

Recognize that every human being possesses a soul that God desires to save, and work toward pointing all those around you toward the saving blood of Christ.

We can do better. We must do better.

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

Colossians 3:1. If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Pray

Pray for healing of racial strife. Pray for peace in the streets. Pray for more men and women to see their personal need for the forgiveness of God, and for a greater personal sense of your own need.

Day 115/260: Read Colossians 2

How important is it to be “rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith”? Can’t we just believe what we believe and not worry about a solid foundation?

A strong foundation is important because this world will try to destroy your faith, plain and simple. Satan does not want you to be a child of God, and he will try to “deceive you with persuasive words.” If you do not have a strong foundation, those arguments you encounter can cause doubt and undermine your faith.

Twice in this chapter Paul warns against allowing others to cheat you. They will use “philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world.” If we give in, they succeed in their mission to “cheat you of your reward.”

Guard yourself against worldly philosophies by learning about them and how to refute them. There are some big words and big concepts out there, but don’t let those scare you. Learn about postmodernism, pragmatism, and coherence theories. Learn what the Scriptures say about those philosophies, even if they are not addressed in those specific terms.

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”

Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)

Hebrews 11:6. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Pray

Pray for a stronger foundation of faith.

Day 114/260: Read Colossians 1

There is so much to learn from Paul’s unceasing prayer for the saints at Colosse.

He prayed that they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s “will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” This did not relieve the Christians there of the responsibility of seeking the information from the Scriptures. Effort was required on the part of the Colossians.

Much in the same way, Paul prayed that they “may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him.” The apostle did not request of God that the Colossian brethren become mindless robots, but rather that they would seek to put into practice the information they had studied from the Scriptures. Again we see that effort was required on the part of the Colossians.

Paul wanted these saints to be “fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.” Do you see the pattern? Paul wanted the Colossians to glorify God, but it would take effort on their part.

Effort is still required of us today, if we are to be faithful and fruitful, if we are to increase in the wisdom and knowledge of the Scriptures. We must seek His will by studying it, and do His will by applying it.

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Hebrews 11:6. But without faith it is __________ to please Him, for he who comes to God __________ believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently __________ Him.

Pray

Pray for your local congregation what Paul prayed for the Colossians.