Pretty out there today, but cool as to be expected, but nice and sunny.

One of my daily routines is to check, via their web sites, Timberline, Mt. Bachelor and Crater Lake.  It is very encouraging to see all the snow and to read of the depth of the snow base.  It is also ‘fun’ to look at the Oregon DMV site on line and look at their cameras across the state.

This appears to be a very good year.

Eyes are acting up today, if it isn’t remedied by tomorrow I will have to see the doc – I have two medications that warn that they have a negative influence on the eyes.  Most of the time it is barely perceivable, but not today.

Colossians 1:2  To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul is writing to the church at Colossians – which is not a building, but the group of believers in Christ.

It isn’t to be read just by the leaders, but shared with all the members, all members are to listen and obey these words.

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse

While written by Paul, it was inspired by the Holy Spirit – another important thing to remember.

Far too many Christians don’t think these ‘kinds’ of verses apply to them.  It is only for the ministers, or the ‘super Christian,’ (who teaches or is a deacon or just seems to have it all together.)

Being a Christian is different than anything else we do. 

When we are a parent, we are always a parent, but there comes a time when we have to ‘let go’ and allow them to make their own decisions and live their own lives – they are always our child and we always feel every disappointment, every attack and rejoice at every accomplishment, but we are no longer responsible for them.

We are a spouse and we have an obligation to our spouse to be the best we can for them – however, when we are at work, when we are away from them they must ‘fend’ for themselves.  There are vows and promises that must be kept, but our spouse also has their own life and responsibilities and it is up to the two of us to make it work.

We always said that being a Police Officer was a 24 hour 7 day a week job, and it is, but at the same time it is not and when we retire or resign we are no longer Police Officers.  We still have that same mindset, and we still have the same awareness of dangers, but we are no longer expected to serve and protect.

Every profession is the same way, even if we do not actually retire the expectations are that we are no longer responsible for the profession once we leave it – and the ancillary groups, etc.

I cannot think of any jobs where we are responsible for our actions, decisions, etc. on a daily basis, for life.

Being a Christian is different.  We are a Christian 24 hours a day for the rest of our life on earth.  We have an obligation to God to listen, follow and obey until He takes us home.

Being a Christian should be so ingrained in our life that it is like the heart beating or the lungs breathing.

It should be automatic.

Now, granted it takes time to understand our commitment and how we must respond – some get it immediately while others struggle with the concept – but when we read the Word of God we must understand that it applies where it applies and not just to the church leaders, but to every Christian.

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Colossians 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

⁶ Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Whether at work or anything else we are to physically – or mentally if it is that type of job – dedicate it to God, to do the very best work we can do as a testament to the God within us.  If we are doing something that we cannot ask God’s blessings on, then we need to change professions.

But more than that, our conversations, our attitudes, our treatment of others should be done so that it reflects Our God within us.

that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Is addressed to every Christian; in order to do this correctly we must read the Bible, study under learned teachers, apply the Word to our hearts and lives and then practice it with humanity even those that  that are without.

The minister and church leaders have a sphere of influence outside the church walls, but their primary purpose is to teach Christians how to become a living breathing child of God; one who understands his responsibilities to others.

The chances are highly likely that the minister is NOT in your work place, neighbor to your neighbors, making contact with the people YOU see every day.  These people are your responsibility; you have been placed there to serve God and to show them who He is, being willing and ready to answer their questions and concerns.

Paul is speaking to every Christian not just the leaders; he is speaking to me.

Later, Art :-)