Colossians Chapter 2: Verses 1-3 (NIV)
I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Even as the young church was growing, and the good news of the Gospel was spreading across the world, it was being opposed. Paul wanted the Colossian church to know that he was contending for it, and for others who he’d never even met. The church and the Gospel were worth fighting for, and he did so passionately. He wanted to be both encouraged and united, and to be confident that in Jesus they would find true wisdom and knowledge about how to live and active and fulfilling life that was pleasing to God.
If you are passionate about something it’s usually hard to hide that passion. Its something you care deeply about, and if it comes under threat, you are prepared to put up a fight. That’s what it means to contend for something. You are standing on the very thing that is under attack, and you are prepared to defend it. Paul certainly was.
In today’s climate I must admit that it seems the very Christian faith we are called to live by is under attack, as it was in Paul’s day. Paul was prepared to suffer all manner of hardships for the sake of the Gospel, and he wanted the churches he planted to be proud of Christ and to stand strong in their faith in Him.
I wonder if I’m as passionate to contend for my faith as I should be? Paul could tell the Colossians in verse 4 of this chapter that he could rejoice in the fact that they were living as they should, and that their faith in Christ was strong. Would he be able to say that of me? God has done so much for me that I should be willing to contend for my faith in Christ, even if its unpopular. I know then just what I need to pray for today!
Dear Lord,
I pray for the strength and courage to contend for my faith regardless of where any opposition to it comes from. May I too be found to be living as I should, with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, reflecting Your light, Your goodness and Your grace. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.