15 and let the shalom which comes from the Messiah be your heart’s decision-maker, for this is why you were called to be part of a single Body.
And be thankful — 16 let the Word of the Messiah, in all its richness, live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts. 17 That is, everything you do or say, do in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
18 Wives, subject yourselves to your husbands, as is appropriate in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and don’t treat them harshly.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything; for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, don’t irritate your children and make them resentful, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your human masters in everything, not serving only when they are watching you, to win their favor, but single-heartedly, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever work you do, put yourself into it, as those who are serving not merely other people, but the Lord. 24 Remember that as your reward, you will receive the inheritance from the Lord. You are slaving for the Lord, for the Messiah. 25 Don’t worry — whoever is doing wrong will be paid in kind for his wrong, and there is no favoritism shown.
4:1 Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly. Remember that you too have a Master in heaven.
(Complete Jewish Bible).I teach a percussion group at a local high school. One of the really neat things about this group is it’s diversity. They are from all walks of life, different ages, class rank, and skill levels. These students might not normally hang out together, but when they are playing and marching, they are all working together with a common purpose. It’s a great thing to watch. Each student has his or her own part, and without it the whole piece of music is incomplete. Yet by itself, each part doesn’t make sense without the rest of the group.
The Church has been created for such a community, only more so. Each of us has our personal relationship with the Lord, but that individual part does not make sense without the rest of the group. We are not meant to be “Lone Ranger” Christians, and that's a very good thing. We are called to play this symphony of life together encouraging, teaching and admonishing one another, helping one another play each part better.
Today's Passage from Colossians reminds us of some ways we can live better in community with other believers. Community is not a fantasy dream that would be nice if it existed. It’s the way God has created His kingdom. Today, let us live in and towards the community God has for us.
Hymn for Today: "Blest Be the Tie that Binds Us" by John Fawcett.
1. Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.
2. Before our Father's throne
we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
our comforts and our cares.
3. We share our mutual woes,
our mutual burdens bear,
and often for each other flows
the sympathizing tear.
4. When we are called to part,
it gives us inward pain;
but we shall still be joined in heart,
and hope to meet again.
5. This glorious hope revives
our courage by the way;
while each in expectation lives
and waits to see the day.
6. From sorrow, toil, and pain,
and sin, we shall be free;
and perfect love and friendship reign
through all eternity.
Thought for Today: while our attractive parts have no need for such treatment. Indeed, God has put the body together in such a way that he gives greater dignity to the parts that lack it, 25 So that there will be no disagreements within the body, but rather all the parts will be equally concerned for all the others. (1 Corinthians 12:24b-25).
Please pray: For faculty and students as they prepare for Christian ministry in Argentina.
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