For this Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Trinity, let us focus on some words from the Epistle. The Apostle recognizes the faith and discipleship of the Colossians, and then he adds, "For this cause, we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God..."(Col. 1:9-10).
Coming to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior is at the core of Christianity. It is the great essential in becoming Christian, in accepting God's redeeming work. Anything we accomplish without faith is spiritually worthless. Yet, as important as believing or trusting in Christ is, faith is one aspect of the Christian life. As the Apostle indicates to the Colossians, Christians should keep growing. Many people may recognize this fact and emphasize that living faith produces fruit in good deeds. Again, such a recognition is worthwhile.
However, many Christians ignore Paul's prayers and exhortations that believers should grow in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. The Apostle does not want the Colossians or us to be like some of those at Corinth who remained "babes in Christ" (I Cor. 3:1). While some believers may always be immature, Scripture and Christian tradition are filled with examples of people from varied stations in life who grow in knowledge and wisdom. Let us pray that we too may continue to grow in our understanding of the Christian faith throughout life!
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