Learning to be Christian...Lessons from Colossians

We are into the first week of the study of the book of Colossians. So far we have done Colossians 1:1-10.  I have to say that these first three days of the study has been focused, for me, on the reminder of what being a Christian entails:

Praying constantly - Prayer is the doorway of communication between us and the Holy Spirit of God. It is by prayer that we maintain a relationship with Him. A relationship that allows us to grow in wisdom and knowledge and understanding.  Through this relationship, we can receive all the tools and gifts of the Spirit that we need to live this life here on earth in such a manner that we can enjoy eternity forever in Heaven. Somehow I am reminded of the promises made in Baptism, the Covenant we make with God on that day, where He marks us as one of His own and our destiny is to be with Him in Heaven. We must do our part to fulfilling that destiny by abiding in Him. 

                                 

• Prayer for others - As Christians we have a responsibility to lift each other in prayer, just as St Paul lifted the people of Colossae, praying for their continued growth in the Spirit. We should be praying, not just for those who we love and are close to, but for those who are far from God, those who daily offend Him, those in authority - our spiritual and governmental leaders. We should be praying for our enemies and those who annoy us - tough to do, but that's what Christ calls us to!  Matt 5:44-45 tells us "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your father in heaven..."

• Hope, Faith, Love, Grace  - These are the themes that I received from  these first verses of 1 Colossians. We are reminded that our hope is in the promise of everlasting life through Jesus Christ. We are reminded to love all as He did and to keep alive our faith in Him and the Grace that He continually offers to us in the form of forgiveness, provision, protection...the list is endless. I believe that we ought to be extending this grace to others as well...to forgive those who offend us, to be more tolerant and thereby show His love to one and all. When He walked the earth, these are the things He taught and He exemplified, by His actions. If we are to be like Christ, we must emulate Him.

                                                                     

• Evangelization  - I feel strongly reminded that I have a duty to do what I can to bring about the Kingdom of God right here on earth, in whatever way I can, in whatever season of life I am in. Some of the wonderful GMG ladies are missionaries, spiritual leaders etc. We are each called to spread the Good News in our own circumstances...to our spouses and children, to whosoever we encounter in the course of our days. The way we treat others and the way we act will speak of our faith and spiritual walk with God.   We may not all have an active role in official evangelization, but we were all given this mandate by Jesus... Matt 28:19 :Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

The book of Colossians promises to be a rich and rewarding study. Already, in just a few days, my heart is convicted and my spirit yearns for that deeper relationship with God.  If you haven't already, why don't you join us? Just click on the link above to the Good Morning Girls website and you will find all the details there on how to sign up and download your resources.

May God's blessings be upon all of you!