Steadfast

Re:Verse passage – Colossians 1:9–11, 28B–29; 4:2–4; Ephesians 4:11–16; James 1:2–4 (day three)

And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:4)

When you read these verses together, you can pick up on how discipleship is constant or steadfast “work.” Look at it this way:

• We have not ceased to pray… (Col. 1:9)
• {We have not ceased to} ask... (Col. 1:9)
• For this purpose also I labor… (Col. 1:29)
• Devote yourselves to pray, keeping alert in it… (Col 4:2)
• We are to grow up into all aspects of Him… (Eph. 4:15)

Growing in Christ and discipling others to grow in Christ is a continual, never-ending work. Paul encourages us to take this seriously. Following Jesus should permeate every aspect of our lives. If you took an honest look at your efforts to follow the Lord (and to lead all others to a joyful life with Him), would you say that you could describe it the way Paul describes his own efforts in following the Lord? I know I struggle with it at times.

There is a cost to following the Lord. It is not easy. But we can rest assured that it is worth it. James reminds us of this in his letter. The trials we go through, the work we put in, the difficulties we face, the time spent in prayer and petition, and anything else we do for the Lord is all worth it and is used to grow us more into being “little Christs,” perfect and complete. May you be steadfast this week as you grow in Jesus and disciple others. I will be praying for you!