YOUNG ADULTS
Summer Devotion
WEEK 4 - COLOSSIANS 4
When was the last time you stopped to look at and consider a full moon? It’s nighttime, yet the moon is so bright you can see everything around you. Did you know the moon produces no light of its own? What we see is simply light from the sun reflecting off the moon’s surface. Of course, we know the moon looks different most nights. It goes through distinct phases which affect its position in relation to the earth and the sun. At other times, factors such as clouds and pollution can weaken the light we see. Occasionally, we witness a lunar eclipse in which the earth comes between the sun and moon, casting a shadow on the moon. You and I are like the moon. In part, our purpose on earth is to reflect the light and character of God, among others. The way we choose to live affects the light the lost world observes. Our spiritual disciplines may wane, dimming the light we reflect. We may become engrossed in sin and distractions that stand firmly between us and God, almost blotting out the light entirely. Paul closes his letter to the Colossians with a few challenges that can ensure they’re shining brightly.
“If Christ be anything, He must be everything. O rest not til love and faith in Jesus be the master passion of your soul.”
– Charles Spurgeon
Unsurprisingly, Paul addresses prayer (v.2). If the Colossians are to live for Christ effectively, they must devote themselves to prayer. They can’t simply engage in a quick prayer of thankfulness before a meal or throw up a prayer for help only while in trouble. Their lives must be marked by prayerfulness. They must remain watchful and vigilant, both concerning themselves and the enemy, as they pray. Their prayers must be marked by deep gratitude for Christ and His cross. Would you describe your prayer life in this way? Do you see prayer as an opportunity to partner in gospel ministry? Paul asks the Colossians to pray for open doors for sharing the gospel (v.3). Our light will shine brightly when we live with great concern for our witness (v.5-6). According to Paul, this is how we make the most of our time here. How do you treat others? An excellent gauge for this is how you speak to others. Is your speech seasoned with salt? Is it full of grace? Whether he meant that we will have an apt answer for skeptics or, we will be prepared to provide answers with grace rather than harshness, or both, we can be confident that the Spirit will empower us in conversation as a result of our commitment to walk with Him.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
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Is there a sin I need to confess or an attitude I need to change?
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Is there a command I need to obey or an example I need to follow?
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Does this verse teach me something about God? About myself?
