What is it costing you to tell the good news? In order for Paul to proclaim the mystery of God’s grace to the Gentiles (vv. 26-27), he had to turn his back on many of his own people, the Jews who refused to believe that God would save anyone who didn’t first follow all the ceremonial parts of the Law of Moses. It was primarily because of his outreach to the Gentiles that Paul became an outcast, and was at times beaten, stoned, and left for dead (see Acts 13:45, 14:19).

So, what is it costing you to proclaim Christ as Lord and Savior, to call sinners out of darkness and into His marvelous light? In the past, we might have lost friends if we reached across racial lines with the good news as Paul did. But today’s world is just as segregated and polarized, albeit more along ideological lines.

So, what would it cost you to speak the truth in love to those who profoundly disagree with you about politics or sexual behavior? What would you risk if you tried to explain what the Bible says to those who don’t think like you do about federal regulations on abortion or health insurance or the environment? In verse 28, Paul made it clear that he wanted everyone to be mature in Christ – that’s why he warned and taught both Jews and Gentiles. Are we just as willing to reach out to those who are profoundly different from us?

Now, such outreach may not put us in the same sort of physical danger as Paul experienced. It may not land us in a Turkish prison for 2 years, as happened to Andrew Brunson. But we may have to endure some harsh comments or experience some hurt feelings – it’s a lot easier to stay in our holy huddles, in our internet echo-chambers than it is to truly engage with people who don’t see the world the way we do. But if Paul could reach out to those who hated him, if Jesus could die for those who rejected Him, how can following Christ require anything less from us?

Colossians 1:24-29 (ESV)

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,
25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,
26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.