Laboring and Working Mightily Colossians 1:29

Paul the apostle told the church located in Colosse that his desire was to present every person “perfect in Christ Jesus”, and he preached, warned and taught everyone he could about the glorious gospel which was given and provided by our Lord. In chapter one and verse twenty-nine of his letter addressed to the church members, Paul stated that he labored, strove and acknowledged the Lord's might working in his life. We read:

Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.

The verse begins, “Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working,...” The word “whereunto” means “to, towards, for and among”, and Paul stated “I also labor” or “to grow weary, tired, exhausted (with toil or burdens or grief), and to labor with wearisome effort”. He added that he was “striving” which is the Greek word “agonizomai” from which we get our English word “agonize”, and it means “to enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games, to contend with adversaries, fight, to struggle, with difficulties and dangers, to endeavour with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something”. Paul said, “according to his working” which is the word “energeia” and means “working or efficiency”. Paul labored and agonized with great intensity, however he knew it was by the Lord's energy and efficiency that he was able to do so.

The verse goes on to say, “which works in me mightily.” Paul confirms once again that it was the Lord's power or energy “which works” or “to be operative, put forth power, to work for one, aid one, to effect, to display one's activity, or show one's self operative” “in me mightily” or “in strength power, ability”. Though Paul was driven to labor, strive, preach, teach and warn everyone he could about the gospel of Jesus Christ, he knew ultimately that the power and ability to do so came directly from the Lord.

We should always remember from where our help comes. David the great King and Psalmist wrote, “My help comes from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2), and we as Paul should always remember where we receive our energy, efficiency, and motivation to carry out His work. As we ponder this idea, let us recall all the times we have labored, striven, agonized and worked in the Kingdom of God and found the ability to do so, and as we are about the Father's business may we always remember it is the Lord who empowers us carry out His labors.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see how Paul struggles for the Colossians, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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