Colossians 2:5-7 - Established in the Faith

Today, Tuesday June 2 Established in the Faith Colossians 2:5-7 “For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” I love how Paul connected himself to the saints there at Colossae that he had never seen face to face. He said, that though he was not with them in the flesh, he was with the in spirit. I’m afraid for many of us it is just the opposite. We are with them in the flesh and maybe even talking with them, but it is obvious to them that our spirit is not with them. That might especially take place in our family or church relationships. We are with them physically but something is missing, and our spouse, children and others know it. To be with others in spirit means there is a heart connection. There is genuine love and concern and attention for the present condition of the people we are with. Have you ever connected to the persecuted believers in China or other parts of the world? As you think and pray for them you might feel like you are in prison with them! You might even weep tears for people you have never met. Scripture encourages us to do this! “Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.”  (Hebrews 13:1-3) Some of us get so absorbed in our own little world that we never make the effort or take the time to be with others in spirit!  May the Lord help us to do this today! It also appears that Paul was especially concerned about their faith in Christ. We often notice and are concerned about the physical condition of others, and no doubt this is a good thing. But we should be more interested in and praying for their faith to be in order. If a person is “steadfast” in their faith, if they are walking in Christ, if they are rooted and built up in Him and established in their faith in Christ, they will be able to successfully deal with and face anything the devil will throw at them, whether it be false philosophies or physical affliction. It is my prayer, that even through these Pastor Chats, that I will be able to connect with you in spirit and help you to be established in your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! God bless!