south ridge blog

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Colossians 4:5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.

When is the last time you overheard a group of non-Christians talking about how gracious, kind, helpful, loving, and non-judgmental Christians are today? 

Sadly, the reality is that in our current cultural climate, Christians are known more for being judgmental than for being loving. There are many reasons for this, and some of those reasons are a mis-characterization of Christians in the media and entertainment industry. However, there are other reasons for this as well, and every follower of Jesus would do well to look inward in order to discover any ways in which he/she may have a judgmental spirit.

Here is just one suggestion for how you may discern whether you may be unknowingly speaking in a way that is judgmental. Pay close attention to your words and thoughts throughout the day. Do you find yourself saying and thinking things about what you’re against (what you see as ‘wrong’ in the world), or do you find yourself more speaking and thinking more about you’re for (the love of God, resting in Him, releasing control.)

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 4:2-6, JAMES 3:13, PROVERBS 11:2, 17:28, 19:8, EPHESIANS 5:15-16 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: In his book Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, Peter Scazzero writes, “When I say we judge people, I mean we turn our differences into virtues of moral superiority. And in doing so, we create never-ending ways to subtly categorize people and diminish their humanity.” Are there any ways in which your words/thoughts may lead others to conclude you’re being judgmental? 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today’s reading has been very convicting because I recognize that I spend more time speaking and thinking about what I see ‘wrong’ with others and the world than I spend speaking and thinking in the ways Jesus interacted with others. Continue to transform me into Christlikeness, so that my words, actions, and attitudes are more aligned with His. I pray in Jesus’ holy name. Amen. 

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Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

In his newest book titled Practicing the Way, author John Mark Comer notes that there are four different types of prayer. These include: 

1. Talking to God – Pre-written prayers, psalms, liturgy, singing prayers at church. 
2. Talking with God – often, praying for certain things; prayers of petition. 
3. Listening to God – hearing God’s voice through quiet listening, Lectio Divina (slow, prayerful reading of a short passage), etc.
4. Being with God – just looking at God, [as He is] looking at you, in love; contemplative prayer.

It’s likely that most in Evangelical churches today have a great deal of experience in some of these types of prayer, but little experience in others. Today, consider how God may be inviting you to become more devoted to prayer. Perhaps consider what may be distracting you from experiencing a deeper prayer life. Lessen these distractions, and grow in prayer. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 4:2-6, PHILIPPIANS 4:6, ROMANS 8:26 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Of the four different types of prayer mentioned in today’s reading, which would you say you practice least? What would it look like for you to more intentionally practice this type of prayer more consistently? 

DIGGING DEEPER: Regarding the type of prayer in your answer to the above question, take at least 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or even 15 minutes to practice this type of prayer today.

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, when looking over the 4 different types of prayer in today’s reading I can quickly conclude that I am much more practiced in the first two. As I continue to be more devoted to a life of prayer, may I begin to listen as much (or more) than I speak, and may I grow in my ability to see You as You look upon me in love. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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There’s no way to get around it; we were designed for relationships with other people. But

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Take a moment to think of somebody you know who has a really strong prayer life. You know, the kind of person who, when you hear them pray during a small group or church gathering of some kind, you’re left thinking, I’m not sure I have anything to contribute after that! He/She really knows how to pray! 

But here’s the thing: in the same way it isn’t wise to compare yourself to others (he/she is so much better than me at art, sports, music, etc.), it isn’t wise to compare the power of your prayers to others. In Colossians 4:2, Paul doesn’t say, “Let those who are strong in prayer step forward and everybody else step back.” Instead, Paul encourages all of the Colossians to devote themselves to prayer. Some may have been very new to the faith, yet they were encouraged to pray. 

As Ronald Rolheiser has written, “There is no bad way to pray and there is no one starting point for prayer. All the great spiritual masters offer only one non-negotiable rule: You have to show up for prayer and you have to show up regularly.” 

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 4:2-6, 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: How regularly do you find yourself comparing your prayer life to that of others? What are some ways in which this may be hindering your own growth to come to God in prayer?

DIGGING DEEPER: What is something that may be getting in the way of you being more devoted to prayer (e.g., screen time, news media, music, podcasts, etc.)? Consider giving up one thing throughout the week in order to increase your devotion to prayer. 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I recognize that there are a number of things which may be getting in the way of me being more devoted to prayer, but the greatest obstacle is myself. I sometimes believe the lie that my time apart from You is just as important, if not more important, than my time with You. Thank You for Your grace in this, and continue to help me see the benefits and joy of being with You more. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

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Take some time today to journal and reflect on the following questions:

What are you willing to surrender to God in order to grow in your relationship with Christ? 

What are you unwilling to surrender? How may God be inviting you to surrender this area of your life over to Him? 

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There’s no way to get around it; we were designed for relationships with other people. But as counselor and author Larry Crabb has noted, we were not just made to be in relationship with others, but were designed to connect with others. In his book titled Connecting, Larry Crabb writes the following:

“God helps us become more like Christ by doing three things: 

First, he provides us a taste of Christ delighting in us—the essence of connection:

• Accepting who we are.
• Envisioning who we could be.”

While Crabb goes on to write much more, one of the key principles he strives to apply is the importance of delighting in relationships with others. 

This word – delight – has been all but lost in the vocabulary of too many people today. Rarely do we pause to consider, Who or what did I delight in today? In what ways can I truly take the opportunity to delight in others tomorrow? As followers of Jesus, those who will be known by our love for one another, perhaps it’s time to flip the script. It’s time to delight in others.

READING & PRAYERS:

     PSALM 37:4, PSALM 40:8, MICAH 7:18, ZEPHANIAH 3:17 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Who is somebody you interact with on a regular basis but rarely delight in? How can you delight in them today?

DIGGING DEEPER: What would it look like for you to “flip the script” and take intentional opportunities to delight in others on a regular basis? 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I must confess that if I were to write down a list of the things I truly delight in, very few people may make my list. Yet I recognize the problem in this. If I as a follower of Jesus really am to be known by my love for others, I desperately need to grow in my ability to delight in others. Continue to shape me more into the image of Christ so that I may delight in others as He does. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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When reading through the entirety of the Scriptures, you will come across passages which speak on the topic of slavery. These passages can be confusing to those who immediately think of the painful history of the U.S. and/or ongoing cultural struggles with racism. 

But we recognize that the form of slavery which occurred in the ancient Middle East (Old Testament) and the Roman Empire (New Testament) were very, very different from what occurred in our nation’s history. In Paul’s day, the vast majority of slaves were treated as common citizens. They earned income, have the freedom to live and move among others in the community, and could often buy out their contract in order to work elsewhere or go into business for themselves. 

While it may not be a direct correlation, there are some similarities between the master-slave relationship in ancient Rome and the employer-employee relationship today. Paul essentially commands the employer to pay their employees fairly and to treat them justly. He also commands employees to work for their employer as if they are working for Christ Himself. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 3:18-4:1, PHILEMON 1:1-25 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: On a scale of 1-10, what would you say is the current health of your relationship with your employer (or others in authority, such as professors, teachers, coaches, etc.)? What role could you take on to make this relationship healthier? For those in a position of authority, what steps could you take to improve the health of your relationships with your employees (students, etc.)? 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, when I consider what role I may need to take on to improve the quality of my relationships with others, I’m sometimes at a loss. I rarely know what I can do. Today, I simply pray for wisdom and discernment to know what to do. I also pray for the endurance to keep trying. The endurance to do whatever it takes to be the hands, feet, and words of Jesus in the lives of others. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.  

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Have you ever read the Scriptures and had the thought, Can’t you provide very specific instructions on what to do and what not to do in different relationships? If so, you’re certainly not alone. Relationships would be so much easier if we just knew exactly what to do/say and what not to. 

While the Bible may not provide specific step-by-step instructions for every possible scenario, it does provide the most essential principles for living out relationships well. The challenge isn’t that the Bible is too vague (it isn’t). Instead, the challenge is in our own self-awareness, and whether or not  we recognize how our attitude, behaviors, and tone are helping or hurting our relationships with others. 

In his book titled Leading from Within, Parker Palmer writes, “I am responsible for my impact on the world whether I acknowledge it or not.” 

When it comes to the our relationships with others, both parties are responsible for the impact their attitude, behaviors, and tone have on the relationship. Regarding parents and children, both would be wise to consider how they can ensure the relationship is healthy and thriving. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 3:18-4:1, EPHESIANS 6:1-4 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: What thoughts come to mind when you consider Parker Palmer’s quote, “I am responsible for my impact on the world whether I acknowledge it or not?” 

DIGGING DEEPER: What would you say is your primary responsibility regarding your impact on the people around you? How you can ensure you fulfill this responsibility today?

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that when I think about my relationships with others, too often I focus on whether or not other people are aware of their responsibility for the impact they have on those around them. I’m continuing to recognize that this mindset doesn’t work, and I should instead more thoughtfully consider the impact I have on those around me. May my attitude, behaviors, and tone reflect Your love and grace upon those I interact with today. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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In the West today, passages on the topic of roles in marriage may be some of the most controversial. However, in their book The Meaning of Marriage — which is considered by many to be one of the very best books on the topic of Christian marriage — Tim and Kathy Keller do an excellent job of portraying the different roles in a marriage relationship.

In a marriage, the husband is to take on the same role Jesus had for the church. Jesus served His people relentlessly. He washed the feet of His disciples, a role that at the time was only done by servants. He did not serve his people as an authoritarian, but instead, when the time came, Jesus willingly gave His life for the church.

Similarly, the wife takes on the role of Jesus. In the same way that Jesus submitted to God the Father, a wife submits to her husband. This is not done out of duty or obligation, but is instead reflecting the delight, respect, love and sacrifice that the husband models. 

Indeed, both the husband and the wife take on the role of Christ within the marriage relationship, loving one another as Christ loves us. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 3:18-4:1, EPHESIANS 5:21-33 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: What, if any, questions or tensions arise within you when you read through today’s Scripture reading? What steps may you need to take to find answers to your questions and/or be able to release those tensions to Jesus? 

DIGGING DEEPER: If you’re married, consider your daily routines. What are at least three ways you can more intentionally fulfill the Jesus role in your marriage? Be specific.

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I recognize that passages such as the ones today are sometimes challenging for me because they have been misapplied by those who wish to have control over other people. Continue to help me see that I ought not distrust You or Your Word, but should instead question those who use Your Word inappropriately — as a weapon. Instead, may I continue to see Your Word as an invitation to a way of life that works. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Take some time today to journal and reflect on the following questions:

What are you willing to surrender to God in order to grow in your relationship with Christ? 

What are you unwilling to surrender? How may God be inviting you to surrender this area of your life over to Him? 

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Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. 

Everything in the Bible is the Word of God. It’s all important. But every once in a while, there a verse or passage which ought to make us pause in order to more fully consider the implications. A couple of verses which qualify are Colossians 3:17 and 2 Corinthians 5:20. The first is quoted above in the NIV, but the NLT reads, And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus. Likewise, the 2 Corinthians passage reads, So we are Christ’s ambassadors…

This was Paul’s way of saying to the Colossians and Corinthians, “You’re not just followers of the Way when you gather for worship services. You’re a representative of Him in everything you do and say.” 

Living this out is, of course, a challenge. Every follower of Jesus will miss the mark and fall short. Yet every day is a new opportunity. We don’t need to get lost in all the negative thoughts about how we’ve failed in being an ambassador for Christ in the past. Instead, we can focus on the here and now, and enter into this day a representative of Christ. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 3:16-17, 2 CORINTHIANS 5:11-21 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: What is one way Jesus may be inviting you to be a representative of Him today? 

DIGGING DEEPER: Spend 10-15 minutes in silence and prayer. Utilize this time to discern an answer to the above question. 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, there are moments when I think about all of the mistakes I’ve made and I wonder, Does Jesus really want me to represent Him? Today’s reading is a reminder that you don’t just want me to represent You, but that You have called me and You trust me to do so. What an honor and a privilege! May I represent You well today. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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