3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people. (Colossians 1:3-4)
In the beginning of his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul offers thanks to God for those who will receive his letter. The believers in Colossae did not know Paul personally (Col. 2:1). Yet, they were the product of the work of his team – especially through Epaphras, a co-worker of Paul from Colossae. Epaphras, whom Paul identifies as “our beloved fellow servant,” was the one who first shared with his fellow Colossians “the grace of God” (Col. 1:6-7). So, though Paul was not the person who planted the church in Colossae, this church existed because of Paul’s influence and leadership. Thus, Paul is especially grateful for the flourishing of the Colossian church (Col. 1:3-4). In his letters to churches he founded, Paul offers thanks for them. For instance, in 1 Thess. 1:2-5, he says, “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.” In this opening section, Paul points to his own labors. But he frames his efforts with thanks to God. He acknowledges that the flourishing of the Thessalonian congregation is truly God’s work, though Paul’s own contribution mattered. Paul’s example of thanksgiving for his work encourages us to be similarly thankful. No matter the work we do, as long as it is consistent with biblical teaching, it contributes to God’s work in the world. It is something you can do for God’s purposes and glory. It is something in which we can take pride, to an extent. We must also acknowledge that even the good work we do with considerable effort is a reflection of God’s grace. If we work with our hands, we’re using the hands God gave us. If we work primarily with our mind, then we’re using the brain God gave us. If we are able to work because of the labors of others, then we can be grateful for all that makes our work possible. Beyond this, we can be thankful for the life, health, strength, and talents that enable us to work. Paul understands the tension between taking pride in his own hard work and acknowledging God’s superintending grace. In 1 Cor. 15:10, he talks about his work in this way: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them – yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” I love that Paul is so honest and we can so relate to him. Paul begins by acknowledging that his work is a result of God’s grace. But then he boasts about working harder than all the other apostles. Yet, after this, he circles back to recognizing that even his hard work was not his own doing, but was God’s grace at work through him. So, let me encourage you to thank God for your work today. Think about the different ways God’s grace enables you to do the work you do. Even if you’re having a hard time at work, you can surely come up with many ways God has blessed and is blessing you. Without denying the problems, tell God thanks for all the ways you experience His grace through your work. Gracious God, thank You for the work I do, and for Your grace that makes this possible. Thank You, Lord, for the chance to contribute in some small way to Your work in the world through what I do each day. Comments are closed.
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