Righteous Worry

Colossians 2:1 KJV

For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

We have been taught that it is a sin for a Christian to worry but that isn't entirely accurate. It would be a sin to worry and fret over those things God has promised to care for; but here Paul admits, even insists, that these believers know he is in great conflict for them. Though he addresses the conflict through prayer and by writing this communication to them, the fact still remains that he is in pain concerning them.

Now these he is in conflict over are Christians. He is concerned that they might be beguiled. He is not with them to personally protect them from the dangers of false teachers and he is not there to give them the instruction that will bring them into the full understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God".

And if Paul was conflicted over that for them then there is certainly a place for

• Today's preacher to have the same conflict for his congregation and
• Today's Christian to be equally concerned for their own growth and spiritual safety

So much of the danger Christians face is compounded by the fact that they think they can safely expose themselves to any teaching and philosophy of man and that their pastor has no right or business worrying over them because of it.

Paul was not ashamed of his conflict. Neither will I.