"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Psalms 119:18 (KJV)
Daily Devotion in Colossians 4
Daily Nugget:
In Colossians 3, wives, husbands, children, and servants were reminded how to behave as Christians. Wives are to submit to their husbands (Colossians 3:18). Husbands are to love and be kind to their wives (Colossians 3:19). Children are to obey their parents (Col. 3:20). Even workers have a responsibility to obey their employers (Colossians 3:21).
Colossians 4 reminds Christian bosses (“masters”) that they have a Christian responsibility to treat their employees properly. They were admonished to remember that they also have a Master in Heaven (Colossians 4:1).
To keep ourselves humble and to always keep in focus who we are, it is quite important to remember that the universe does not revolve around us. It revolves around God. As He is merciful to all of us, especially to those He has forgiven, we, too, should be understanding to others around us.
God knows so much about us, yet he still loves us and gives us many opportunities to get and do right. We, too, should show our gratitude for His graciousness by showing it to others. We can do this by:
- Giving others second, third, etc., chances. God certainly has done that for us!
- Not being so critical of another’s mistakes. Have we not done the same or worse, or would have if God had not intervened in our lives?
- Forgiving and trying to forget what others have done to us. We certainly appreciate that God has done that for us (Psalms 103:13)..
- Not holding another’s past over them. God knows your past, but he still loves you and will even be willing to use you for His glory if you desire.
- Not assuming the worst in a person. Hear the other side of their story before thinking the worst about them. God knows all the facts about us, yet He is still patient and forbearing toward us.
- Not looking down your nose at others. You are not perfect, although you may be a bit improved from what you used to be! God is perfect, yet He still is willing to fellowship with us.
We can be so critical of those around us. Sometimes we must stop and remember all God has put up with us. In so doing, we may treat others in our lives a lot differently.
Today’s Thought:
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12
Words to Understand:
Epistle: a letter
Today’s Reading:
Colossians 4
1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 ¶ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
7 ¶ All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.