Paul sat in a Roman prison suffering. Yet, he rejoiced (Col 1:24) because he knew the HOPE of glory (Col 1:27)—Christ in us!!

Paul was not only able to rejoice as he focused on Christ in that prison but the work of Christ grew in Paul as he focused on others.

Others.

Oh, I suspect Paul would agree with C.S.Lewis when it comes to his view of others.

Lewis wrote, “ There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”

Every person we encounter is an eternal being headed to “immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”

Lewis said, “All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics.”

Paul knew this and wrote, “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.” (Col 1:28-29)

And it’s simple, but it’s true, Christ works in us mightily as we seek to do His will.

And we know what His will is, because Jesus told us “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:18-20)

As we remember Jesus is with us and in us, as we carry His light, and the good news of the gospel to others, we will find He works mightily (Col 1:29) in us too!

Oh friend, how can we help but speak what we’ve seen and heard? (Acts 4:20)

But how do we speak?

The best way I know is to start each day in the Word and in prayer and then ask the Lord to give you eyes and ears to see the “others” around you.

Oh, if I’m not careful, my “Type A” self will buzz through MY list, do MY stuff, and only worry about MY problems. But when I ask the Lord to help me see others, He helps me actually slow down and see eternal moments.

And then, in those moments, when we PRAY for God to give us His heart and His words for others, He does!

I have seen Him do this, and I bet many of you have too. It’s so sweet…so encouraging to my soul!

And though it may feel awkward at first, remember, we are just here to be His witnesses. We are simply telling “other beggars where we found bread.”

And that BREAD, that LIVING WATER, it’s GOOD STUFF leading to “everlasting splendors”.

What a Savior!

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