PASS IT ON
Today's reading: Colossians 3-4

"After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them." Colossians 4:16 NLT

I'd never thought about it, but had the church at Colosse chosen NOT to pass along this letter to Laodicea, and to the next church, and to the next church, and to (eventually) folks traveling to settle America--I would never have ever been exposed to its teachings.

They could have held on to something near and dear to their hearts.

They could have cherished it to the point of keeping it under lock and key.

They could have prized it on a level that wouldn't allow it beyond a glass case in a special room.

Because, if you think about it, letters were treasures in this day and age. Consider the effort it took for a letter to be delivered and reach its destination intact. Consider the infrequency of mail. Think about how much time and effort went into getting a letter to where it needed to go.

This letter from Paul would have been a possession of the highest regard. The church receiving this note knew the regard Paul had for them by even writing a letter to them at all. They valued being thought of, remembered and counseled.

And then to be asked to pass it on?

To another house-church?

To people who might not appreciate it as much as they did?

To the Laodiceans--with their rival business, rival football team, with their ways that differed from those of the Colosse church?

But this treasure had to be passed on in order for it to eventually reach me!

What gift are you hoarding?

Is it your talent? Your possessions? Your enthusiasm for the Lord? Your testimony?

Pass it on!