Sanctifying Community: Colossians 2:2-4

          I find the verse for today very surprising; it confirms what I had previously known just from experience, but I never expected to find it so directly put in scripture. Colossians 2:2-4 says:

2 My goal 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, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

           This verse tells us that we can grow in all wisdom, knowledge, and understanding by being engaged in Christian community. I don't just mean growing from a sermon or being enlightened by a particular worship song, though these settings are part of what I have in mind. To be more accurate, I mean any gathering of believers. It says that if we are encouraged in heart and united in love, we grow in understanding. This doesn't mean that we have to listen to a logical message with explicit take-aways. Rather, we can grow in our maturity just by being united with like minded Christians, whether in a house church or a mega church. This is part of a beautiful theme in scripture that points to the direct impact that our companions have upon our character. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says:

33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

          Also, Proverbs 13:20 says:

 20 Walk with the wise and become wise,
    for a companion of fools suffers harm.

         These verses really ask us to consider who we are spending time with and how they are shaping our relationship with God and our relationships with others. Let us pray for wisdom and discernment about what we should do in our relationships this week.
Peace of Christ to you,
Simeon Snow