Reality CheckShembull

Have you ever wished there was a manual for your life? A guide on how to... (you fill in the blank)… how to parent, how to understand a work colleague, how to feel better about yourself? Here it seems that through Paul's writings, God has just done that. 

As we journey through Colossians we’re provided with a blueprint, an instructional, on how to deal with our shortcomings, how to deal with our relationships; and in this portion of scripture, Paul addresses Christian families and relationships. 

He is providing practical advice, a “how to manual.” He addresses a number of relationships here, that of husband and wife, parent and child, “master and slave” - which today can be viewed in the light of employer and employee. So no one is exempt from these instructions as we can find ourselves in at least one if not more of the relationships addressed here.  

Read through Colossians 3:18-4:1 asking the Holy Spirit to highlight any aspects of your relationships where you need to focus and work on them. Not only can the Holy Spirit highlight these areas, but He can guide and grant you grace to improve and grow in those areas.

To end off this portion of scripture Paul gives what the New International Version of the Bible has titled “Further Instructions”; a vital addendum to his previous teachings. 

We are told to devote ourselves to prayer, being watchful, thankful and praying for the proclamation of the gospel. We are encouraged to be wise in our actions toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity. Our actions often speak volumes to the world, our actions carry more weight than the words we speak. And lastly to let our conversation be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.