My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. Colossians 2:2-4 (NIV)
What do we have that we did not receive? Even the very air that we breathe is a gift from above. He is the breath in our lungs in order that we may pour out our praises to the Giver of all good things. And Jesus is the Source of all wisdom and knowledge as Paul so eloquently writes in our verses for today. Paul’s desire was for us to be both united and encouraged – in love and good deeds. He longs for Christ’s followers to have a complete understanding into God’s ways in order that we may know Christ more fully. The more we know Him, the more we love Him and the more we love Him, the more we want to serve Him. Indeed, Christ is the mystery of God and in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Knowledge gives us wise judgment and wisdom is walking in that knowledge. The great Apostle’s desire is for us to begin - at the very least - to comprehend the glorious riches found in Christ alone. He does not want us to drift away through unbelief, distractions or greater loves.
The writer of Hebrews tells us in Hebrews 2:1-3 (NIV): “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.”
Further, the writer pens in Hebrews 3:1 (NIV): “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.” We are called to set our thoughts and hearts on things above. The great Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV): Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Life, in our treks through this world, is far better if we live by a power that is beyond this world – a power which is unearthly in its nature. Knowledge of Jesus gives us prudent judgment and wisdom is applying this judgment to our lives. Head knowledge sans action often puffs up but wisdom is prudent action and always edifies.
“he taught me and said, ‘Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”** Proverbs 4:4-7 (NIV)**