States of Heart

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to God's holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ; Grace and peace to you from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you...." Colossians 1:1-3 TNIV

Paul, once again, begins his letter to these " people of God" by telling them who is writing and who is sharing in his letter to them. Timothy, his son in the faith, is with him. So what Paul relates to them is to be taken as from Timothy as well. We know how that goes. Many wives write letters and sign them with their name and the name of their husband and the other way around as well. Paul wanted the people to accept Timothy as his companion. The Kingdom is not about being or having "a star." It is about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit - therefore all with him are included and received. This is a state of heart that is developed as we journey in the Holy Spirit.

Notice that Paul extends grace and peace to them all. He begins all his letters this way. (In the letters to Timothy, Paul also includes mercy in the statement). He approaches them with the grace, favor and well-intention of the Lord. He does not approach them in reference to what might be wrong or out-of-place, but instead in grace, with grace, extending grace. Also he includes peace. He does not come in an attitude of "fight" or "argument" but rather of peace. This word "peace" stands for all that is needed in the human frame - what we identify with peace, healing, prosperity - all included. He is greeting them in the wrapping of the heart of God.

Then he begins by telling them he always thanks God for them when he prays. The structure in Greek from verses 3-14 is one sentence I believe. However, we will take it in small bites. Just understand that each statement is important in and of it self, even when it is woven with others. Paul's attitude of thankfulness is throughout all his letters. It is an element of great importance at the Throne. An attitude of thankfulness in all things is essential to begin to apprehend the ways of our Father, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit. All through the old covenant, the attitude of thankfulness was expected. The people of those older times almost always missed this essential element in being God's people. Paul is very thankful for them as he prays.

We will find out in 2:1 that he has never met these folk. So he does not know them like he knows the Philippians - yet he greets them the in same manner. Hummmm much to learn here I think.