Colossians 1:24

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church.

Colossians 1:24

Paul was in prison when he wrote his letter to the Colossian church. Rather than being depressed or feeling sorry for himself, notice how Colossians 1 verse 24 starts off. “I now rejoice.”  “I rejoice in my sufferings for you.” You see he was happy, joyful and excited! Why? Because, he says, he was suffering for his brothers and sisters in Christ, the church.  

Sounds noble and sounds like something a real leader would say, but can anyone say that and really mean it?  Paul did! He rejoiced not because he was in jail, but because he was in jail for others. For serving others! That is what he was called to and that is what we are all called to as well. 

Serving others means… being there for someone who is hurting…. keeping in touch with that new Christian to make sure they are doing ok…. asking someone out to lunch to talk with them when you know they could use encouragement…. picking someone up when they have fallen… getting involved in a ministry… you see, that is what ministry is… serving others.

There is a cost in serving others.  It takes of our time and energy. But what do we buy with that cost? Joy! Have you been lacking joy lately? Reach out and serve those around you and soon that joy will be overflowing!

Walking in the joy of the Lord,

Pastor Rich Kikuchi