STAND COMPLETE WITH FIRM CONVICTION -Conclusion of Strive to "Stand Complete"

Conclusion of Strive to "Stand Complete"

Epaphras prayed that the Colossians "stand complete."  Clearly, Epaphras was praying to God that to the extent that the Colossians were complete,  mature, full-grown Christians, they would "stand," or remain such.

We cannot assume that each one who becomes a Christian, even a mature one, will persist as such.  Jesus said that an angelic son of God "did not stand fast in the truth,"  (John 8:44) And Paul reminded the Corinthians about some in the past who had served Jehovah for a time but then failed.  He warned spirit-anointed brothers:  "Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall."  ( 1 Corinthians 10:12)  This adds force to the prayer that the Colossians  "finally stand complete."  Once they became complete, full-grown, they needed to persist , not shrinking  back, growing weary or drifting away.  (Hebrews 2:1; 3:12; 6:6; 10:39; 12:25) Thus they would be "complete" int he day for their inspection and final approval. -2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Peter 2:12.

We have already discussed the importance of praying for others by name,being specific in asking that Jehovah help them, and give them holy spirit.  Epaphras' prayers for the Colossians were of that sort.  And we can-in fact we should-find in those words a valuable suggestion about what we bring up to Jehovah in prayer about ourselves.  Unquestionably, we ought to ask for Jehovah's help to the end that we individually will "finally stand complete."  Do you?

Why not mention your situation in prayer?  Talk to God about the degree to which you have advanced toward being "complete." full-grown, mature.  Implore him to help you recognize areas   where you yet need to grow spiritually.  (Psalm 17:3; 139:23, 24)  Without question, you have some such areas.  Then, rather than being discouraged over this, supplicate God clearly, pointedly for help to progress.  Do this more than once. In fact, why not resolve that this coming week you will pray at some length that you will "finally stand complete." And plan to do it more as you consider the year text.  In your prayers, focus on tendencies you may have to shrink back, grow weary, or drift away from God's service and how you can avoid that. -Ephesians 6:11, 13, 14, 18.

Next time: STAND COMPLETE WITH FIRM CONVICTION - Pray for Firm Conviction

The Watchtower, 2000