Colossians 3:15-17 "As members of one body"

“As members of one body

2023-1022, Colossians 3:15-17

  There is a movie based on Cultural Revolution in China. The story revolves around a wife who, every 5th of the month, goes to the train station with her husband to welcome someone. The person they are waiting for is her husband, whose name is "Lu Yanshi." He was a professor and was arrested during the Cultural Revolution due to ideological issues. The wife's name is "Feng Wanyu." However, after her husband escaped and was recaptured, she suffered a head injury, which caused her to forget her husband's face. Moreover, due to her resentment towards her parents, their daughter cut her father's face out of family photos. As years pass, the husband, "Lu," is eventually released and returns home. However, his wife, "Feng," initially pushes him out of the house.

  The husband, with the help of his daughter, begins to live outside the house. He makes various efforts to help his wife, who can no longer recognize him. He repairs the piano, writes letters to comfort her while waiting for her husband's release, and sends her letters saying he will come to the train station to welcome her in five days. Nevertheless, when the 5th day arrives, his wife still cannot recognize him at the train station. The movie lacks a dramatic twist. The husband continues to be with his wife, and they grow old together, spending time together for her sake. Whenever the 5th day comes, the wife, who goes out to meet her husband, is accompanied by her husband, Lu, who waits by her side. The title of this movie is "Coming Home."

  If you were to watch this movie, you would likely be deeply moved by the love and dedication of the husband, Lu, towards his wife, Feng, despite her memory loss. Everyone faces hardships in life, but even during challenging times, beautiful outcomes can be achieved through the earnest efforts and cooperation of others. When viewed from a community perspective, this movie emphasizes the importance of the collective spirit in any era. You may recall the historical context of the Cultural Revolution in China, which involved the persecution of many people under the pretext of reforming traditional beliefs and practices.

  Today, when we witness conflicts, violence, and acts of terror in the world, the importance of leadership and a strong community becomes evident. Our faith community, as it gathers for worship, also needs to uphold the faith of each individual and establish a healthy church. The church is a gathering of diverse people. We often consider ourselves as one family, but in reality, we are all different individuals. Our lifestyles, thoughts, hobbies, preferences, talents, and even approaches to faith may vary. Therefore, coming together may be easy, but maintaining a unified spirit can sometimes be challenging.

  However, the Bible teaches us not to forget when we gather. Please see today's passage: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace." (Colossians 3:15) Whether we are alone, gathered as a community, or engaged in business and work, the peace of Christ should always be what we hold in our hearts. It is a reminder that we have been called to peace together as one body.

  To understand and awaken this peace, we must immerse ourselves in the Word of Christ, as described in verse 16: "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." Just as studying leads to wisdom and personal growth, immersing ourselves in the Word of the Bible can make us wiser, guide us towards eternal life, and enrich our lives with grace, as also mentioned in verse 17: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

  Our actions should always be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, and we should live a life filled with thanksgiving. This attitude is not only important for personal well-being but also affects how others perceive and interact with us. When we read the Bible, it is clear that this extends to how God perceives us.

God said, "...Your words have been heard. I will do the very thing you have asked." (Numbers 14:28). Blessed saints not only live the Word but also speak and serve as if doing it in the strength that God provides (1 Peter 4:11).

Upon hearing this passage from Colossians, the congregation at Colossae would likely have responded with, "Amen! Amen!"

  Our faith community always needs a heart filled with "peace." With such a heart, even broken and fallen families can be lifted up. Let us safeguard peace within our homes. The Word of God should be deeply inscribed in our hearts. When we speak and act, we should do so in the name of Jesus, and as a thankful community, we should always be a source of encouragement to one another. This is the path to a unified body.

  The past week has also witnessed significant news. In situations where leaders and groups have lost their way, many people suffer. Let us maintain peace and security in our homes. The Word of God should be deeply inscribed in our hearts. In our interactions with one another and in our actions, let us always do them in the name of Jesus. A thankful church is what we should aspire to be, as that is the path to a unified body.