Basic needs

Friday April 9, 2021

Basic needs

We never stop praying to God for us you. We ask that you be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9

Paul and Timothy did not know the Christians of Colossi. This did not prevent them from praying without ceasing for themselves and especially for their spiritual needs. Epaphras, a Colossian, had told them about the love of his brethren in Christ, with details of the difficulties they encountered in the midst of a very mixed population, composed of idolatrous pagans, Greeks willingly inclined to philosophy and Jews whose religious or mystical practices were more than doubtful.

The Colossians, like any new convert to Christianity, might be tempted to incorporate elements of their old beliefs into their faith. How to reconcile the Christian faith with the different cultures they encountered ? This is why Paul and Timothy asked God that their dear brothers in Colossi be filled with the knowledge of the will of God in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

Wisdom, that is, knowledge of divine, immutable and universal principles, for example the absolute holiness of God or salvation by the grace of God alone.

Spiritual intelligence to translate these principles into everyday life in a practical way.

Today, all of God's children face challenges similar to those of the Colossians. Our cultural environment poses many problems for us to put our faith into practice. Think, for example, of the different customs regarding marriage, or food, or clothing, or the consumption of alcoholic beverages...

Like Paul and Timothy, therefore, we can pray that all brothers and sisters grow harmoniously in spiritual wisdom and intelligence. In all countries, what changes in mentality and behavior have taken place in recent decades, and what temptations the world offers ! When immorality is exposed, when marriage is no longer honored, yes, we do need to pray, to beg the Lord so that we are all filled with the knowledge of God in all wisdom and spiritual intelligence.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)