"I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you."       Colossians 4:18

Paul's letter to the Colossians is a powerful look at everything from the Lordship of Jesus Christ to our new life in Christ, family relationships and Christian conduct. When I read this book it's easy to wonder how someone was able to get away for weeks, pray through and find the Lord's wisdom and somehow put it all on paper.

For Paul, "getting away" to seek God meant a prison cell. We find this at the end of the letter, where he mentions — almost casually — "Remember my imprisonment."

The mark of Christian maturity is so evident here, isn't it? The immature believer sees the enemy in a flat tire, a flu bug at the wrong time or in a financial setback. Even in jail, Paul doesn't make mention of a huge attack by the enemy.

Instead, Paul uses his time — even during terrible distress (we need to keep in mind that the jails of yesteryear make today's prisons look like Hilton Hotels) — to encourage the saints and strengthen their relationships with the Lord Jesus Christ.

This verse at the end of the book is telling, is it not? Paul wants those at Colossae to pray for him, but this is hardly the focus of his writing. In his letter, Paul has no time to complain about his situation. There are no comments about the food (or lack thereof), the other conditions of his imprisonment or anything else.

In short, when it comes to his faith, Paul is a grown up. He knows his mission, which is to advance the Kingdom of God, a kingdom led by Jesus Christ — the One Paul once persecuted. He has no time for distractions so in whatever situation he finds himself, Paul goes to work.

We are in the same situation and have the opportunity to make that same choice. Interestingly, I woke up this morning with a cranky four-month-old child and a nagging headache. I was tired from a short night's sleep and a part of me wanted to pack it in today. Paul's example however, was a stark reminder that the mission is so much more important than the circumstances.

Today, we need to ask ourselves "What is my mission in advancing the Kingdom?" Once we answer that question, we move forward with the intensity of Paul, who used every situation—even negative ones — to take ground for the kingdom. Nothing can keep us from doing the same.

Reprinted by permission from Servants of Excellence, a LifeTrends publication. If you'd like to know more about the resources provided by LifeTrends that can be used to encourage your volunteers, educate your Board and reach your supporters, or if you're looking for a great speaker for your next banquet, contact Kirk Walden at kirk.walden@comcast.net.