I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for His body, the church. God has given me the responsibility of serving His church by proclaiming His entire message to you. Colossians 1:24-25
Very few people make significant, expensive purchases without truly contemplating the price they will pay. The wise thing to do when purchasing something that has a high cost is to consider the cost, understanding that buying that item has consequences, good or bad. You and I are called to consider the cost of following Jesus. Jesus even called His followers to consider the cost of following Him, with the promise that the price we pay is worth everything that we might give up for our faith in Him.
The apostle Paul certainly knew that following Jesus has a cost. He faced much hardship and persecution because of his faith and calling to make Christ known throughout the world. While he wrote in Colossians 1, he considered his suffering and the cost he was paying for his faith in Christ. As he considered this cost, he wrote, “I am glad when I suffer for You in my body” (Verse 24). It is important to understand the suffering that Paul is referring to. Throughout his life, Paul was imprisoned and tortured, and he faced starvation. And yet, Paul could look on his suffering and be glad for it. To us, this statement seems strange. Very few, if any of us, will look on our suffering, whether past or present and be glad. We would expect the opposite. We expect to be angry, sad, or sorrowful as we look at our suffering. Paul, however, could think about his suffering and be glad.
Why could Paul be glad in his suffering? The reward was far greater than the price he paid. He tells us in Colossians 1:25 that he rejoiced in the suffering because of the high calling of sharing God’s message. This calling brought him joy, even in the middle of the suffering he faced. He knew the price, but he also knew the reward far outweighed the cost.
Following Jesus has a cost. Sometimes that cost might be a relationship, a career advancement, a financial step backward, and in some situations, it may even require that you set aside your own comfort. I assure you, the reward of following Him and making Christ known throughout the world is infinitely greater than any cost you will pay.
Have you truly taken the time to consider the cost of following Him? Take time to do that now. Are you willing to pay that price? If so, tell Him. Remember, His word promises that the reward is far greater than anything we may have to give up.
Read Colossians 1:24-29(NLT)
I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect[a] in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
