Pleasing The Father - Colossians - Part 37

"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;" - Colossians 1:9-10 ESV

The unique word here is in verse 1:10 (pleasing - areskeia - Strong's G699) and it is derived from a root (airō - Strong's G142) which means to pick up and take away. Interesting.

This morning as I sit here pondering God's will I can't help but think of parenthood. What is a parent's will for their children when they are young and then when they are older adults.

We are God's adult children. If we have spiritual wisdom and understanding then we can function in maturity towards Him.

We have a gracious Father in Heaven. He is a King who dwells in holiness. He cares for people. He has sent us on a redemptive mission.

Finding His will involves coming under His vision.

Perhaps we have all functioned as little children towards God at one time or another but the writer is praying for the maturity of this Church. An older child who sees something out of place will just pick it up and put it in its place without being told knowing that the parent is pleased when things are in order. Paul is praying that this Church will come under God's vision more and more until it becomes their culture.

I want to take on my Heavenly Father's value system. He doesn't just want me to be happy. He wants me (and you) to be fruitful.

Thank You God. We know you are happy with us because of Your Son. Teach us to be people who see what needs to be moved and take responsibility to carry out the task. We want to identify what gives You joy and participate in those activities. It might be as simple as resting instead of striving or edifying a person instead of passively watching them suffer. Guide us to be gracious like You are gracious.

"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:12-14 ESV

Yes. Amen.

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