Today, I sat in one of my classes at DTS listening to my teacher speak through the book of Colossians, a book that is more often than not overshadowed by it's sister book (only because it covers many of the same topics and issues with the same approaches) EPHESIANS. I mean, let's be real...which do you hear a sermon from more, little old four chapter Colossians or BIG BAD ATTACK AND DOMINATE EVERYTHING EPHESIANS? As if the answer isn't obvious...
But, as I'm sure we would all admit, Colossians is a vital book (if for no other reason than the fact that it's included in our Scriptures, is God-breathed and inspired, yadda yadda) which tackles many tough questions about life's many mysteries. The one that struck me most today is one that EVERY God-fearing believer struggles with at one point or another, and one that I happen to be wrestling through at this very moment. How do we know God's will for our lives? How do I know what God wants for me after I graduate seminary in May? What is God's plan for our family? Where should I go to college? What job is in God's will for me? blah blah blah blah blah.
Such important questions that literally can change the course of our lives. And the problem is...the bigger the question, the more impact the choice has, and the harder it is to find a solution. So often we pray "Lord, what is your will for my life? Your will be done, not mine." Such a valid, Godly prayer. In fact, even Paul prays this prayer for the people of Colossae:
"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding..." (Col. 1:9)
Read the above verse, and we, as entitled Americans hear Paul praying "Lord, give the people in Colossae the knowledge of your will in everything they do." As Paul goes on, we learn, however, the the people of Colossae, the people of Dallas, Texas, the people of Uganda...already know God's will. We already have the answer to the question, "God, what is your will for my life?" The answer is in verse 10.
"So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord..." What is the will of the Lord? A worthy walk. Does God have specific plans for our lives and are those details played out in various decisions? Absolutely and unavoidably, YES. But the will of the Lord? That we live a worthy walk. So what does that look like? Well, go figure, Paul answers THAT question for us too! (he should be a writer...)
1. bearing fruit in every good work (vs. 10)
2. increasing in the knowledge of God (vs. 10)
-side note: see also Jeremiah 9:23, 24 which tells us not to boast in earthly wisdom, strength, etc., but to boast ONLY in knowing and understanding the Lord! What powerful words.
3. strengthened with power (not just any power...ALL power)(vs. 11)
4. giving thanks (vs. 12)
Something interesting about these four characteristics is that (take a deep breath...I'm no scholar on the Greek hooplah, so hang in there) they are all characterized by what is called "present participles". This basically means that the effects go on and on and on and on and on and on...you see where I'm going. When we are living a worthy walk, the evidence will never cease. It didn't stop at Paul's writing to Colossae, and it won't stop at the end of our lives, and it will continue on until Christ returns and His plan is fulfilled!
Tackling the questions and issues of life should literally fade when held up to the light of this passage. When we are seeking the Lord and His will, the fruit is in our life to prove it (not necessarily works, but the fruits of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23), we are increasing in our knowledge of God (not just wisdom, but true knowledge of who God is), we are strengthened in His power and we are giving THANKS to Him. These evidences show when we are inside His will. Does this plainly answer the question "what is God's will for me when I graduate?" Yes and no. No, it doesn't place a job and a plan in my lap, but it does pretty clearly lay out my next steps...trust...pray...seek knowledge of who God is...trust...pray...learn more about Him...trust...pray...When we are living a worthy walk, we are living God's will for our lives.
Praise the Lord that His plans are greater than ours, and that all we must do is seek Him and press into who He is. While the journey may not always be easy, we will never walk alone.
