I gain such application from 4:16, “And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.” Paul is instructing the Colossians to SHARE his letter with the Laodicean church and also to read his letter that was written to Laodicea.
I CANNOT do this Christian walk alone. What I receive personally from the Lord is NOT enough. I cannot solely rely on what God speaks to my heart. I MUST share what God teaches me, and I MUST receive from others what God is teaching them. This protects us from PRIDE: WE are not the ONLY ones hearing from Jesus–we need each other! It also protects us from FAULTY DOCTRINE: we must always test our insight against the Scriptures and godly counsel. I also think (and maybe this is just me, but…) the more times I explain and put to words what God is speaking to my heart, the more I begin to put it all together and REMEMBER it better.
Do you have a regular time in your schedule to share with other believers that which God is teaching you? Do you actively pursue others to hear about God’s work in their lives? Paul’s exhortation is clear…and God never wastes a single word.
Share with someone today. You will be encouraged.
