Scripture: “For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.”
Observation: Again, Colossians is a letter written during one of Paul’s imprisonments. He is absent from the Colossian church, but “present with [them] in spirit.” How? He hears reports from colleagues. He prays for them. He contends for their ever-growing faith in and faithfulness to Christ, encouraging and teaching them through this letter. We can identify with being with someone in spirit when we can’t be there physically. Our love and concern bridges the distance of miles and circumstances.
Paul says that two things bring him delight at the distance he is forced to live with.
First, their discipline. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, after all. Discipline is certainly a laudable trait and well worth developing for any Christian.
Second, the firmness of their faith in Christ. I can’t help singing the hymn “How Firm a Foundation” in my head as I read this line.
Sometimes reflection on the scriptures is aided by imagining the opposite of what is said for a point of contrast. In this case, imagine Paul finding that the Colossians are undisciplined, chaotic people with spongy, squishy faith. A worrisome picture indeed! Paul will have guidance for the Colossians aimed at further strengthening their faith. They are far from finished products. But considering their discipline and firm foundation in Christ, he’s got some good qualities to build on.
Application: How do you remain present in spirit to people you can’t be present to physically? What qualities or strengths are you able to delight in right now in your walk with Christ?
Prayer: Lord, keep me connected to the people I hold in my heart. Build on the strengths I have today, that I may grow more faithful tomorrow. Amen.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
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“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.”