Our ladies Bible study was discussing Colossians 1 where Paul states in verses 28-29 the goals of his ministry “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose, I labor striving according to His power which mightily works within me.”

I love this idea how we all work together for the common goal of presenting every man (or woman) complete in Christ. One of us may present the gospel, but another shares teaching, another wisdom, and another encouragement. We are working toward the same end – to come along side one another to help others grow to spiritual maturity. We are unified in the desire to see the gospel bear fruit.

Perhaps when you think of the gospel bearing fruit, you think of new believers and sharing with someone who does not know God’s way of salvation through Jesus. Although evangelism is a significant role of the body of Christ, consider the birth of a baby. After about nine months of gestation, a new life is born with the help of doctors and nurses who care for the infant. In a day or two, the baby leaves the hospital and except for well-baby checks, shots, sickness and emergencies, the role of the physician moves to the background. The primary responsibility of helping this child grow safely to maturity is in the hands of parents, teachers, family members and friends. This baby will need care, nurture, and supervision and support for 18 or more years.

I am writing this to anyone who has not been given the gift or calling of evangelism. By using your gift of serving, teaching, mercy, administration or encouragement, you are still bearing fruit for the gospel and enabling believers to become compete in Christ. Yours is the day in and day out child training, sleepless nights and countless prayers that don’t end with a new birth but merely begin there. You are helping to establish, strengthen and equip fellow believers to walk in a way pleasing to the Lord.  Let us not grow weary or diminish this role.