Live Wisely

​Colossians 4: 2 – 6
 
Paul was writing to the church in the city of Colossae in Asia Minor even though he had never visited them. He set out to correct their errors of religious relativism in paganism and secular philosophy, pointing them back to Christ, in whom they have everything they needed (Col 2:9-10). Towards the end of his letter, prior to his usual personal news and greetings, Paul penned a brief instruction on prayer and the basis of personal relationships with those who were not part of the church. 
 
The first segment consisted of three linked instructions in the context of an ongoing battle (Col 4:2). Paul’s exhortation to prayer was in sharp contrasts to the self-indulgent Colossian syncretism, as he drew their attention away to the enduring and uncompleted goal of soul saving. In any war, it is critical that one’s attention ought not to be diverted nor divided in any engagement, and the emphatic ‘devote yourselves’ and ‘keep alert in it’ are significant reminders to us as good soldiers of Christ (cf., Eph 6:10-17). Paul encouraged the Colossians to have ‘an attitude of thankfulness’ in praying, and the implications here are enormous, as the victory had already been won at the cross, and the One directing the war is none other than God Himself. Our eyes are to be kept on our Lord (Heb 12:1-2). 
 
Paul then specifically requested prayer for his team as they serve together with him in a Roman prison, that they might grasp the opportunities available to clearly share the gospel (Col 4:3-4; cf., Eph 6:18-20). We ought to pray, firstly, for those who are in the frontlines of this war, viz., our pastors and leaders in ministry, missionaries and the businessmen and women in restricted access nations, and ourselves too as we seek out the lost among our friends. Secondly, that they would recognize the God-appointed occasions for an effective testimony to the gospel (cf., 1 Cor 16: 9-10; 2 Cor 2:12). And thirdly, that wisdom may be given to them to present with clarity and graciousness the whole counsel of God. To Paul, prayer is crucial as God has His time for each person, where a life-or-death condition is to be grasped prudently as we attempt to redeem the time. He called the gospel ‘the mystery of Christ,’ which is encapsulated in the Apostles’ Creed of our day.
 
He then appeared to have changed the subject, but a close reading of the next two verses would indicate a link to the believers’ witness which is of paramount importance in a testimonial capacity of their behavior and manner of speech with outsiders, especially when God-ordained opportunities arose (Col 4:5—6). The gracious and respectful thoughtfulness we have toward another, arise out of Christ’s burden for each one, as we become sensitive to their individual needs and circumstances in our presentation of the gospel. Let us not forget what it was like when God’s agape knocked us off our rebellious and complacent perch as we submitted to His call to repentance.