Daily Bread

Since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Do you know how cults work? They tell you that there is some special knowledge that you need to know that only they can impart, or some experience or blessing that only they can give you, and once you have received this, then you will be on the true path to enlightenment. It is how many secret societies work, cults such as Christian Scientists operate, and even some mainstream churches offer the promise of healings or blessings by way of a specific relic or ritual performed in their
'special' location.

The sad truth is that millions of people flock to these organisations or locations in search of that which will make their life complete, but this is exactly the kind of false teaching that Paul, in his letter to the church in Colossae, was addressing. You see, the point of Paul’s message is that the Colossians have already received Christ in all (his) fullness, and his prayer is that they might now gain more knowledge of what pleases God and have the power to remain faithful, particularly in adversity.

The inheritance of which Paul writes, and the one who gives us spiritual knowledge, wisdom, and power is, of course, the Holy Spirit who lives in us. We must listen to the Spirit and be strengthened by the Spirit. It is not that we will not encounter adversity or not require patience, quite the opposite! We will need patience and strength as we deal with the crap we face in our lives but that patience and strength does not mean we need to chase after knowledge, experiences, or blessings from other sources — because the Spirit is already available to us wherever we are and and at any time. Yes, the gospel really is good news!

Right now, you are connected to God, the source of all life and the creator of the universe! God is championing you, wanting the best for you, journeying alongside you in all your trials, and though not sparing you, wants to equip you with knowledge, wisdom, patience and strength. The Spirit also gives us a heart of praise, that even in the midst of the difficulties we face, we can give thanks to God.

Holy God
Strengthen me that I
may endure every hardship
with patience while
giving you thanks.
Fill me with the
knowledge of your will,
and give me spiritual
wisdom and understanding
that I may lead a life
worthy and pleasing to you,
as I bear fruit in
every good work.
Now and forever.