Former Blackout Artist

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. – Colossians 1:28-29

Paul had never met most of the believers in Colossae, but that didn’t stop him from laboring for their spiritual maturity. Through Epaphras (who he often referred to as his “fellow servant in Christ” and who many believe started the church in Colossae) Paul knew of their faith, their struggles, and their need to continue growing in Christ. Though they were separated by many miles, they were never far from his heart.

And so he encouraged them and reminded them of their sufficiency in Christ. And Paul, this mighty prayer warrior… constantly interceded for them as if they were his own. Their spiritual well-being was his burden too, not just Epaphras’s.

How often do we strenuously contend for the souls of other believers? We may care deeply for those in our own congregation, but what of the believers in other churches? Or those faithfully ministering to others who we will never meet, in places where we will never visit?

The church of Jesus Christ extends far beyond our own circle of fellowship, loved ones. Every believer belongs to Him, and the spiritual welfare of His people should concern us wherever they may be.

Of course, we can’t carry every burden. We can’t meet every need or know every name. But we can pray and we can encourage. And in those ways we can labor faithfully for the spiritual growth of others, even those who we may never meet.

Let us look beyond ourselves and contend for others. And not from the power that comes from ourselves, but from the mighty power of Christ working in us. Amen.