Oh, To be Worthy Of The Lord!
BRD REFLECTIONS
Colossians 1 and Psalm 106:24-48 (NIV)
(Joni Ong, Co-Leader, Rainbow of Joy, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
His Word to me this season: Colossians 1:9-12
9 ….We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
OBSERVE:
My small group completed DISCIPLE 1 (D1) over 18 months recently. It was a timely study of scripture for me, especially of the Old Testament – humbling in many ways. Through the directed Bible readings, sharing and expositions by facilitator Tim, I learned much I had not known before. I used to think that as long as I have a simple child-like faith, Christianity is mostly about working on my relationships with God and the people around me, showing love and hospitality to my neighbours — literally about experiencing and showing love in action. I have since realised that I also need to focus on God filling me with the knowledge of His will, spiritual wisdom and understanding (v9). Only then can I “live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way” (v10).
Colossians 1:9-10 remind me of Jesus in John 15:7-8 (NKJV): If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
How can Jesus’ words abide in me unless I know His words in the first instance? My oft-repeated excuses about my inability to memorise scripture should stop. I want to work on this, yet, not through my own efforts, but by praying that the Holy Spirit is my study-buddy, that He fills me with the knowledge of His will, and grant me wisdom and understanding.
Prior to D1, I often skipped chunks of the theology and doctrines found in the Old Testament, perhaps because of a lack of understanding or the misled notion that Christ in the New Testament ‘cancels’ out the old. I did not find intellectual Christians who only focus on debating ideas and doctrines, inspiring; in fact, I tended to avoid them. But now, I aspire to be a more intellectual Christian, and to continue to experience the joy of the knowledge of God’s will which in turn leads me to live a more Spirit-empowered, Christ-like life. Afterall, Paul’s words affirm the natural flow of good arising from knowledge of God’s will, wisdom and understanding – living a life worthy of the Lord, pleasing God in every good way, doing every good work, having endurance and patience and being fully thankful for every good thing from God!
APPLY:
- I want to grow in the knowledge of God, bear fruit in every good work, to endure and be patient.
- I will give thanks every day for His every good blessing.
- I want to live a life worthy of my Lord.
DO:
To be fruitful in every good work. Whether it be studying the Bible, living life in the here and now of everyday situations, just DO IT! I shall not over-think things. If I need to defend Christ to my pre-believing friends, defend. If someone needs my help or listening ear even when I am hard-pressed for time, stop and give her the time and love. If a brother needs comfort from a family crisis, find practical ways to help and care. I pray that God will be my focus as I live life and truly be called worthy when I see Him in the sweet by and by. To Him be all glory!
PRAY:
Dear Abba Father, thank You for Your living words which guide me to live the life You desire for me. I pray that I continue to grow in the knowledge of Your will, seek Your wisdom and understanding so that I bear fruit in every good work pleasing to You. May I be a worthy disciple of Christ who grows, loves and serves. I give joyful thanks to You, in Christ’s almighty name, Amen.
