Heralds Digest

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." (Colossians 3:23 NKJV) Performance assessment is generally based on visual inspection of processes and service systems. Everyone understands that submission (for wives), love (for husbands), and obedience (for children) represent great performance indices of a Christian home. Therefore, it is possible for anyone to abuse human inspection system through eye service. Good home is not a bed of roses, but a blessing from the Lord; and definitely, it is a safe haven where father, mother and children serve one another with pure hearts.

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17 NKJV) Without prejudice to policies against fraudulent practices, those who deal in multiple transactions or dwell in several jurisdictions understand the inevitability of operating different bank accounts and currencies. Likewise, human relationships generate multiple accounts, based on personal assessment, or individual's level of trust, generated from past transactions. While bad relationships operate on the currencies of unforgiving spirit, bitterness and malice, good relationships run on the currencies of tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness and long-suffering. However, no one can operate a clean and clear account without compromising the integrity of his personal assessment for the sake of the love of Christ. Nevertheless, only accounts that operate with the name of Jesus Christ can identify and appreciate the singlenes...

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:1-2 NKJV) To care for the body's needs on earth and still be able to set its mind above, or outside the earth, is nothing but a call to absent-mindedness. While such fate is impossible for the natural man, the soul of a regenerated man is saved from the corruption and the bankruptcy of sin. This implies that for a redeemed soul, the fate is not only possible, it is by yielding to absent-mindedness that help the soul retains its risen status. Heavenly brand do not turn to wear earthly features, like malice, anger, etc, when decorations with righteousness, peace, and joy refuse to recess.

"Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind". (Colossians 2:18 NKJV) Religion is capable of producing attractive substance of friendly morality, healthy lifestyle, and social disciple. While these attributes appear to have a form of godliness, they lack the power of a godly relationship. Conversely, relationship with Christ is powered by grace that cometh from above; and not by the works of the flesh. This implies that the significant substance in life must involve a gift of regeneration, which is activated through faith in the Lord. And grace is that significant substance of support in the race to rest and everlasting reward.

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8 NKJV) Gaining the collective approval of all within any diverse system, culture and institution is not only herculean, it is a perfect recipe for frustration. Apostle Paul was concerned about the danger of seeking the approval of the philosophers as the regulating standard for the conducts of brethren in Colosse and Laodicea, rather than the keeping of faith with the doctrine of Christ. Anyone who promote any philosophy of life in violation to the commandments and express counsel of God is not a reliable umpire for decency and decorum. A syndrome for divine approval is the best security against man's empty deceit.

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory". (Colossians 1:27 NKJV) Being born into the lineage of the king comes with the right to the throne; and the hope of an earthly glory as future king. The Jew would pride in their privileges as children of Abraham, because of the everlasting covenant God had with their fathers. However, the gentile nations are not without hope; albeit through a hidden mystery of God. There are unfathomable riches and inexplicable glory in the redemption story. That aliens to the commonwealth of Israel could be 'born again' to become heirs to the kingdom of God, and access the hope of everlasting glory, remains a mystery.

"For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Colossians 1:9 NKJV) Untried faith in Jesus Christ is unreliable, or largely, not dependable. While saving faith introduces a soul to the grace that sever the heart from the hold of sins, daily victory over sin and the world requires an abiding faith. This faith believes God and His will enough to doubt all forms of self-will. Since the process of letting down our guards is not easy, Paul had to support the Colossian believers in prayer for a perfect knowledge of God's will. If God allows His children to walk through the fire, He knows nothing else will bring down the expected glory except the heat of the flame. A spirit-filled disciple has no alternative route to the presence of God other than the Master's will.