glorious mystery

Sometimes I struggle with the fact that my life, a job in ministry, doesn't afford much space to get involved in places where I get to be "a light". Places where I can grow friendships with people who are not already followers of Jesus. While I know I can't excuse myself from the Great Commission I am encouraged in regard to the way I do spend some of my time when I read Paul's words in Colossians 1:26-28 (CEV):
"For ages and ages this message was kept secret from everyone, but now it has been explained to God's people. God did this because he wanted you to understand his wonderful and glorious mystery. And the mystery is that Christ lives in you, and he is your hope of sharing in God's glory. We announce the message about Christ, and we use all our wisdom to warn and teach everyone, so that all of Christ's followers will grow and become mature. "
I am so blessed to be working in a life-giving student ministry where we get to be a part of the lives of 100+ Middle and High School students - in big and small ways (depending on the student). While I continue to seek out ways to be OUTSIDE the walls of my church and IN my community - I will also continue to ANNOUNCE the message about Christ to "warn and teach" these young followers as they grow and become mature!
"... and the mystery is that Christ lives in you, and he is your hope of sharing in God's glory"
That blows me away!
Singer/songwriter Stephen Altrogge writes:
"Oh what a glorious mystery You are
Though we only see in part
You've completely won our hearts
Oh what a glorious mystery You are"