Relationships in the Journey

Prepare: "Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another", Eph 5:21
Read: Colossians 3:18-4:1

Life is a journey. Broken relationships take away the joy. Satan constantly wants to take the upper hand in our home and work place, thereby causing strain.

In the family: Courtesy disappears and respect is put aside at home among family members because we take relationships for granted. Paul gives a chain of commands, not just advice, to uplift our families. A wife has to submit to her husband for two reasons. One, man was created first and then woman for him (1 Tim.2:13). Two, in the God-head, Christ submits to the Father (1 Cor.11:3). Submission is not subordination. A husband should not take advantage of his submissive wife. He cannot be a dictator or a demanding master. He has to love his wife as Christ loved the church (Eph 5:25). Disobedience to parents is viewed as rebellion against God (Ex.21:17). Children have to follow the example of Jesus (Lk 2:51). It is not difficult for children to obey their fathers who reflect the character of the heavenly Father.

At work: Very rarely we hear sermons on our relationship at the work spot. For Paul it is important we spend most of the waking hours of the day there. The underlying principle is that we have to please God. Our work should be carried out with an awareness that we arr working for the Lord. This attitude would make work pleasant and also enhance the dignity of labour. Masters should reflect God's character of fairness and respect.

Respond: "Lord, mend today my relationships at home and at work place". Amen.

Christ the Very God

Prepare: I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
Read: Colossians 1: 15-20

Depending too much on human beings is denying the involvement of Christ in our lives. "He is the rock of our lives upon which we stand, the fountain from which we draw, the treasury in whom we find every kind of spiritual blessing. God's fullness resides in Him.

Christ created us for Him: God's purposes are good for us (Jer 29:11). They may not be easy to accomplish without His help.He invites us to join Him to be part of His cosmic plan. Deep satisfaction is the result of this partnership. No other power can stop His purposes from fulfillment.

Christ rules everything together: Often we fail to align ourselves to God's purposes for various reasons. Satan works to draw us away from God and frustrates us. We may be broken, shattered and discouraged. But Christ brings everything together to bring the best out of us and to fulfill God's purposes in us (Rom 8:28).

Christ in the church: Church is the primary agent God uses to fulfill His purposes. On the basis of His redemption, we have become members of His church. He is the head and all the members have equal share in understanding and fulfilling God's purposes. As believers, we draw grace and power from Christ for our victorious life on the earth.

Respond: Christ, I thank You because You have made Yourself available to me. Amen.