1 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.REFLECTIONSWritten by Brian MacgeorgePaul is addressing the Colossian Christians about his goal for not only them but also for those in Laodicea (another nearby town) and beyond. What is Paul’s goal for all these people? It is for them to KNOW CHRIST (verse 2). Why? Because in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (verse 3).  Why is it so important that they have access to this wisdom and knowledge? So that they may not be deceived by false, fine-sounding arguments that are intended to lead them away from Christ (verse 4, and also verse 8 in tomorrow’s reading). Paul wraps his message with words of love and encouragement in verses 2, 4 and 5. He is far away in prison as he writes – but he leaves no doubt that his imprisonment does not affect his close connection in the Sprit with people he has not met personally.In these verses I can see the love in Paul’s heart for these people and his earnest goal for them to know Christ and to remain strong in their faith in Christ, undeterred by the deception and false teachings that seek to lead them away. Please pray with me that we too will continue to grow in Christ, will never be deceived by fancy-sounding but false arguments, and that we be equipped to help others to know Him.ABOUT THE AUTHORBrian is a member of our Fairfield Early and Morning Congregations.