February 3, 2023

Colossians 4:7-18 (HCSB)
Christian Greetings
7 Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful servant, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is with Onesimus, a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. 10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcision are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a slave of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always contending for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills. 13 For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas greet you. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home. 16 When this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And tell Archippus, “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.” 18 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.

Susan Jones
Paul sends instructions to the church to tell Archippus, “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.” Are we paying attention to the ministry that God has given Temple? Are you paying attention to the ministry God has given you? You don’t have to be on staff to have a ministry, you just have to be a believer in Jesus! He gives each person a ministry to accomplish! Satan LOVES to give us distractions to take us off course so that we do not get done what God has told us to do! Anything that is your responsibility (to bring the week full circle-submitting to your husband, loving your wife, obeying your parents, not exasperating your children, working like you’re not being watched, rejoice always, pray continually, etc.) but you don’t give your attention to will not flourish. You have to pay attention to these relationships and your role within them for them to be God honoring. Let’s accomplish what God has given each of us to do through prayer, thanksgiving and rejoicing! God has many blessings in store for us!