19 August 2005 Devotion for Today "Great Conflict" Colossians 2:1-4

19 August 2005   Devotion for Today  “Great Conflict”  Colossians 2:1-4

 

“For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, ² that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. ⁵ For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.”

            In the fall of 1918 through the spring of 1919 an influenza pandemic killed hundreds of thousands of people in the United States and millions throughout the world.  Even in the small cemetery located just a few yards from our parsonage door, a disportionate number graves record 1918 or 1919 as the date of those buried there.  It is sad to see how families lost family members- especially children and older people- during that time.

            But another pandemic that has had us in its “grippe” in recent years has been that of conflict- especially conflict in the churches.  This type of conflict is defined as the inability of people to be able to get along.  Like an epidemic of influenza, however, it is not just confined to those we know.  It doesn’t just affect the churches, however.  It is wiping out institutions and organizations that were stalwart cornerstones of society in the last century.   It is a result of the pressures and destabilization brought about by a huge cultural shift which has abandoned the basic values of twentieth-century morality and ethics.  Other organizations are plagued with it as they cope with dwindling memberships brought about by lack of commitment, disinterest, dissonance, and even untrustworthiness.  No matter how noble and worthy the cause, no organization seems to be immune. 

            However, in Paul’s epistle to the Colossians, he inoculates the church with a conflict that results in good will, peace, harmony, and contentment in its membership.  He says, “For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea.”  The difference is found in the preposition that Paul uses.  Instead of conflict with them, he states a conflict for them. This is what makes all the difference between a killing and a cure.  If more people would have conflict (or struggle) for others instead of with others, one can’t imagine the vision of love and peace we could have for our world. 

We could do with more of this kind of conflict.  If we made our conflict more about others instead of what we want for ourselves God would be glorified and we would be more satisfied.

Have a blessed day!

Rev. Jeffery C. Russell
Salem Baptist Church
Elizabeth City, NC
jefferyrussell@earthlink.net

 

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