Colossians 4:12-13 - "That You May Stand Mature"

Today, Tuesday June 23 “That You May Stand Mature” Colossians 4:12-13 “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.” As Paul concludes his letter to the church at Colossae, he takes the time to recognize and give credit to those men who had assisted him in the ministry. It is indeed a sad thing to hear people who has been used by the Lord to accomplish wonderful things for the kingdom, take all the credit to themselves and never realize they could have not have done it on their own. Years ago I was given some good advice by a very wise person about this. He said that, when someone complements you on your ministry or achievements, make sure you thank them but then reflect their praise to those who assisted you in the process! “If it wasn’t for my associate I would have never been able to do this. Would you please take the time to go over and thank them for helping me.” One of the men Paul recognizes is Epaphras. Paul points out that he actually is from Colossae and is a servant of Christ Jesus! Oh, I wish we had time and space to write about what it really means to be “a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.” A servant has no agenda of his own but does only those things that he knows will please his master. A good servant is totally surrendered to the will of his master and knows his heart. Epaphas was a person of prayer! He didn’t just say prayers and go through a list of names and requests, but he “struggled”, he agonized in prayer for his friends and family back in Colossae. Now if Paul knew that Epaphas prayed in this manner, it means Epaphas must have had the pleasure and opportunity to pray personally with and in the presence of the Apostle Paul. For sure we should have personal and private times of prayer but we should also make sure we are praying with others. Epaphas prayed specifically! His heart prayer was for his family and friends to “stand mature” in Christ Jesus! We should pray for people to be saved, but honestly our main prayer should be for the believers around them to be mature in their walk with the Lord and “stand”, which means they will be consistent and diligent in their witness and testimony. Are you standing mature in your faith today? Are you praying for others to stand mature and “be fully assured that they are in the will of God”? A prayer guide and book that I use every day to specifically help me do this is called, “Pray for Me” by Tony Souder. Email or text me, and I will be glad to share with you how to purchase this wonderful book.  ([email protected] or 540-598-1351) God bless!