Jesus Over Everything: A Study in Colossians Sample

Everyone has a part to play in the mission of God

Devotional: 

Many of us have wondered how we fit into God’s plan. Can God use us? Does He even want to use us? We see in this passage that Paul, and all believers, are a part of God’s mission of helping people see and experience who God is and what He offers us through Christ.

Paul writes how the “mystery” of God’s saving plan has been revealed in and through Jesus. Salvation isn’t meant to be secretive but rather something everyone can hear and experience. In fact, in ancient Jewish tradition, a mystery isn’t something that is puzzling or secretive like the way we think of the word today. Instead, it is revealed to wise people as something that is comprehensible. 

For example, the “mystery” of handling your personal finances well is in keeping a budget. Those who keep and follow a budget have unlocked the “mystery” of how to handle money wisely. In the same way, God’s saving work has been revealed to all who trust in Christ and is meant to be shared and made known to everyone. Everything we need for salvation is found in Christ. The Gospel is not hidden knowledge that only a few people can attain, but true wisdom offered to us all.

We also see in this passage that suffering is the expectation in our lives, not the exception. If Paul struggled and faced many difficulties, we shouldn’t be surprised when our life isn’t always how we wish it could be. It’s not because God is angry or has abandoned us, it’s because life right now is not what it will one day be in God’s Kingdom.

So what does this have to do with our role in God’s mission? The truth is, it’s often the difficulties we have faced in life that make it possible to help others. The best way to impact others with the Gospel is to look for natural places to share about how God has impacted your life.

Is someone dealing with a situation you have experienced in the past? Look for ways to naturally share how you faced it and what role your faith played in it. God has given you certain relationships and experiences to impact those He wants you to impact in ways no one else can.

Everyone has a part to play in the mission of God. Just because your role is different from someone else’s doesn’t mean you don’t have one. God can use all of us, and you are no exception.

Today’s reflection

Do you know anyone in your life who is facing a difficult situation you once found yourself in? What would it look like today to reach out to them and offer to help?