Suffering to Mature; Colossians

May the mumbling commence!

What is a worthwhile reason for suffering?  When can suffering ever be redemptive?  Suffering can be redemptive when we suffer to mature in Christ Jesus and when we help others mature in Christ Jesus.  Read from the end of Colossians chapter one:

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.  I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.  To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.  To this end I strenuously contend with all energy Christ so powerfully works in me. (Verses 24-29)

To rejoice in suffering – isn’t that wrong?  What is lacking in Christ’s afflictions?  These concepts of the first verse in this passage can be a blockade for us – a blockade to understanding.  There is nothing lacking in the affliction of Christ.  Paul makes this statement within the idea that the church is Christ’s body.  Our afflictions are Christ’s afflictions.

Why should we suffer?  Our culture in the United States seems to have everything to do with avoiding suffering.  The goal of suffering was very specific for Paul.  Paul suffered to reveal Christ in the people that he served.  Note the goal was not intended to reveal Christ in Paul but in the people that Paul served.

Suffer to know Christ better!  There is no better reason to suffer.  Evangelism or mission is not simply about spreading the good news of Jesus.  Evangelism and mission is about the missionary discovering more of the fullness of Christ Jesus.  As we serve Christ Jesus, we will find that we always get out of our service more than we put in.

In this way, Christ Jesus is the ultimate definition of sustainability.  It is foolishness to refuse to admonish and teach others about Christ.  The energy and Spirit of Christ goes before us and provides our rearguard.

I will gladly suffer to mature in Christ and know more deeply the mystery of Christ – his presence in you and in me.

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out