Strong Ties of Love

Colossians 2:1-5

“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ. . .” Colossians 2:2.

A competitive spirit is never uglier than when experienced in church rivalries. First Street Church is deeply in debt thanks to a new building. Oak Avenue Church just across town experiences some turmoil. Rather than fast and pray for and offer encouragement to their sister congregation, First Street seizes the opportunity to fan the flames of unrest at Oak Avenue . The payoff comes quickly as people from Oak Avenue place membership at First Street . First Street is now a “growing church” and the debt is manageable.**

Southside Church members have long distrusted the Westside Church . Southside Bible classes frequently discuss what is happening at Westside. Southside sermons are often directed at events happening at Westside. Southside’s bulletin is filled with articles teaching against things Westside is doing. Why? Southside wishes Westside members would come to Southside. Southside is scared they will lose members to Westside. Their way to promote the former and prevent the latter is to keep pointing out the Westside’s problems.**

Though he has never met them personally, Paul has many friends at Colossae and Laodicea . When he hears of problems in these congregations, he has no desire to benefit at their expense. His heart is with them. He agonizes for them. Paul’s goal is to encourage the discouraged. Paul works for these churches to be knit together in love. Paul’s purpose is to promote confidence in their relationship with God through an understanding of Christ Jesus.

Make no mistake, not everyone thinks like Paul. The competitive spirit was alive and well among some in Colossae and Laodicea . Their ideas were attractive and their arguments persuasive. “Come over with us — we have the real truth. We are the faithful ones. We are the ones who really understand and when you join with us you will be among the spiritually elite.”

Paul knows the way to prevent people from leaving the church for “greener pastures” is to make sure the church hasn’t been herded into a browned out field. If the flock is grazing in lush, green pastures they will be far less likely to wander off. Paul’s green pasture for Colossae and Laodicea is one of encouragement, strong ties of love, and confidence in Jesus Christ.

— Bob Clark

**While I am not writing about any specific situations I would encourage anyone who even thinks I may be writing about them to join me in prayer about the spirit of competition.

8/8/2001