The third chapter of Colossians is titled “Rules for Holy Living” in many Bibles. The Apostle Paul lists some essential rules for those who aspire to live a holy life. There is a list of actions that are to be avoided: sexual immorality, evil desires, anger, malice, slander, and lying. And there is a list of things that ought to be done: be kind, compassionate, bear with one another, teach one another, and sing spiritual songs.
Paul bundles up the entire list with one thought. “Whatever you do, whether in work or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (3:17).
The mission statement of the World Mission Prayer League reads like this:
“We are a Lutheran community committed to: know Christ, pray for the advance of His kingdom, share the Gospel and ourselves with those who do not know Him, and encourage Christians everywhere in this global task.”
At present we are more than 6,000 praying members working together to fulfill this mission. Imagine the many skills, abilities, and varied personalities represented by our members, and joined together for this common goal. Think of the unique ways that our members across the nation and around the world accomplish their mission. For many it means sitting down with this publication and praying over each prayer request. For others it means raising awareness for Christian missions in their church or neighborhood. For some it involves contributing material resources to the Prayer League. Some hike through mountainous regions to far off villages and preach the gospel; some volunteer their time to prepare and mail our monthly publications; some leave high-paying jobs as doctors and nurses to practice their profession where few others will. And all of us pray.
God has joined together an amazing collection of people to form the World Mission Prayer League. It is beautiful to witness so many different members coming together as one body, and striving together for a common goal. I think Paul’s admonition to the church at Colossae is a great one for our fellowship as we begin 2010. “Whatever you do whether in work or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”