Scripture: Colossians 4:17�?STRONG>And say to Archippus, "See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord."
Reflection: A major flaw in my life is the tendency to start things and not finish them. I'm not pleased about it—but how to change this bad habit? We have no idea what Archippus had been called to do "in the Lord"—an assignment from the church? A family matter? Preaching to a hostile audience?
If your church has appointed you to some work, do you take it as an obligation to God himself? Have you volunteered for something but just haven't gotten around to doing it? As God's servant, Paul spent considerable effort encouraging others to perform well before God. He believed the servant encourages others to serve (notice Eph 4:12 where the task of ministry is to equip for ministry). So Paul is consciously working at his own calling when he urges Archippus to
complete his task. There's a difference between this, of course, and such things as nagging, being a busybody, or acting as a control freak.
Prayer Starter: Dear God, teach me to encourage with gentleness and patience those fellow servants in your kingdom. Show me how to edify and love the body of Christ, to hear your calling and joyously work according to your will. Amen.
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Shared by Robert Barkley
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