Today you should read: Colossians 4
The apostle Paul concludes his letter to the church of Colosse with specific instructions to these 10 people and the “brothers” at Laodicea.
Tychicus
Onesimus
Aristarchus
Mark
Jesus/Justus
Epaphrus
Luke
Demas
Brothers at Laodicea
Nympha & the church in her house
Archippus
Based off what was said, we know that these are not just surface level friendships but true burden bearing, life-giving friendships and partnerships in the Gospel. Before getting personal with these individuals the apostle Paul addresses 3 very important things in verses 2-6.
First, he talks about the importance of prayer (v. 2). He encourages us to never give up on prayer and that we start with, continue with, and end with prayer when reaching out to others. We know that not only does God move when we pray but that we also change when we are spending that type of intimate time with our Heavenly Father.
Second, we see how our everyday actions and words matter with others (v. 5a, 6). We are to live our lives, always remembering our Gospel witness in what we say and do. We are to live in such a way that points people to Jesus, not away from Him, and many of us can do one or the other through our words or actions.
Lastly, we are to make the most of every opportunity to share the Gospel (v. 5b, 3-4). This is having a missionary mindset, to maximize every chance we are given to take everyone we meet one step closer to becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ.
Out of the three (prayer, actions & words, making the most of every opportunity for the Gospel), which do you struggle with the most? How can we help you as a church to take steps in that area? Please leave a comment below so we can encourage you in it.
By: Erik Koliser — West Campus Pastor
JumpstartCPC.com 
Erik, good food for thought. I’d say that it kinda ebbs and flows for me. Right now, I’d go with #1, and I have been addressing that in May through more fervent morning prayer for both the lost and for people at our church. It’s been a fresh conviction, which is both challenging and good.
I’d say Prayer is usually the one that i could struggle the most with out of the 3 but right now i’d say it’s making the most of every opportunity. I seem to do a good job of this when i’m by myself or with other people from my church. But there’s a big chunk of time where i’m with my family and the last thing i think of are connectors to the Gospel while trying to corral 4 kids under 9 years old. I’ve been convicted to figure this out though because it’s something they need to SEE, not just HEAR about.
I would say prayer . I pray and I have grown recently in seeing the importance of prayer and bring bold in asking people if I could pray for them but I would be honest and say that I’m not always devoted to prayer.