Context: Paul has just spoken about “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.REFLECTIONSWritten by Chris MacgeorgeHow thankful I am for Paul “strenuously contending” – that is, working as hard as he possibly could – as he taught the gospel to “everyone”. (Everyone? Is he exaggerating a little? Perhaps.) From the book of Acts as well as what Paul shares in his letters, we know that his efforts were extreme. Perhaps even “strenuously contending” and “all the energy” are understatements. But always his focus is on Jesus as he acknowledges that this huge effort has been powered by energy that Jesus provides.These verses remind us that sharing the gospel is so very much more than just giving a speech and moving on. The gospel worker speaks the message, teaches, rebukes, encourages, prays with and for others (unceasingly - as we saw in verse 9) with the aim that everyone reaches the goal of full maturity in Christ.How thankful I am for our church leaders here who love us, pray for and with us, teach us so faithfully, challenge and encourage us with all wisdom and with the energy God gives them. Why do they work so hard? So that we will grow and mature in Christ. Let’s keep praying for them, (unceasingly would be good) and for each other as we too seek to encourage our families, friends, co-workers and “everyone” God has placed us amongst. ABOUT THE AUTHORChris is a member of our Fairfield Early and Morning Congregations.