JUL 5

Colossians 1:5-6
Memorise Colossians 1:6
“…and bringeth forth fruit...”

HOW DO YOU PRAISE OTHERS FOR THEIR GOOD WORK FOR CHRIST?

The hope that the Colossians possessed had brought forth fruit, which verse 4 described as their “faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints”. Truly this was an example of the seed of the gospel falling upon good ground, which bore such fruit (Matthew 13). Lest the Colossians become proud in thinking they deserved reward for such fruit, Paul pointed out that the gospel “which is come unto you, as it is in all the world”, meaning that the gospel came upon the Colossians by grace alone, for salvation is of the Lord, and that the gospel is universal in reach, not just to the Colossians. Paul furthermore goes on to say likewise that the fruit bearing occurs both in the world as well as in the Colossians, thus indicating that the ability to bear fruit comes from God as well.

There is a definite temptation for us who are bearing fruit to be proud of this fruit. Ever so often well-meaning brethren praise us for such fruit, without realizing such praise has the potential to make us proud. For example when we lead singspiration well and someone praises us, our heart swells, and then we start analysing in our hearts how we are better than the next person leading singspiration! We must remember that it is God who gives everyone gifts differing to able to serve Him in different capacities, and we should not boast about it even to ourselves. We should not yearn for such praise, but when it is given, we should simply accept it with humility. Likewise, while we should praise others for a job well done in order to encourage the person, it may be better to praise God for giving them the gift and ability to do whatever they had done well, thus giving all glory to God. Obviously let us not swing to the other extreme of not praising each other at all, for indeed since all spiritual gifts are meant to serve the body of Christ, it is the body of Christ that should recognize who has such gifts. In either case, we should not stumble others in their walk with God. So like Paul, let us learn the right way of praising others for their service to the Lord.

Thought: How do I currently praise others?
Prayer: May I always remember that all gifts to men are given by God.