by Pastor Chad, Director of Ministry and Innovation for Hope Media Group
In a world where material wealth often dictates one’s sense of security and fulfillment, the question “Is Jesus enough?” cuts to the core of our faith journey. We must consider whether or not our pursuit of comfort and abundance overshadows our pursuit of meeting the spiritual needs of others. I am currently writing from a hotel in El Salvador (which means “the Savior”), a country that has faced significant challenges due to political unrest and economic instability, and my time here has given me a new lens of true community.
Pastor Raul leads a church in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, that focuses on reaching underprivileged youth. The fact that many of these young people were initially resistant to the idea of church yet found comfort and belonging within Pastor Raul’s community speaks volumes about the genuine care extended to those in need. That Pastor Raul is compared to being a second father to these youths shows the depth of his impact and the deep relationships developed within this church community. Despite his initial hesitation to take on the role of pastor, he found himself propelled by a divine calling to share the message of love with those who felt lost and marginalized in the San Salvadorian streets.
“We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.”
Colossians 1:3-5 NLT
The parallel drawn between Paul’s perception of the Colossian church and Pastor Raul’s ministry in El Salvador hits home. Both instances highlight the rarity and importance of genuine faith and love within Christian communities (Colossians 1:3). Genuine expressions of faith and love can indeed be rare and often overlooked today. It’s a reminder of the importance of living out our faith not just in words but also in tangible acts of love and service to others.
Paul’s emphasis on hope as the source of love in the Colossian church is deep. It suggests that genuine love for others flows from a confident expectation of the future inheritance that believers have in God. This hope isn’t merely wishful thinking; it’s a deep-seated assurance based on the promises of God. Notice the emphasis when he says, “which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven” (Colossians 1:5). A question probes the heart of the matter: Have we lost sight of our true hope? In a world often consumed by quick fixes and Amazon deliveries, it’s easy to lose sight of the eternal perspective that should shape our lives as Christians.
Amid the struggles and challenges faced by communities like those in San Salvador, the hope of Christ shines all the brighter. Stripped of the distractions and illusions of affluence, individuals are compelled to confront their deep need for the true Savior, Jesus Christ. With the absence of a “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality, there’s a profound recognition of reliance on God’s grace and provision.
Paul’s closing statement in Colossians 1:5 serves as a reminder that the hope and expectation found in the gospel are not new but foundational truths that have been proclaimed since the earliest days of the church. He says, “You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.” By keeping our focus fixed on Jesus, we can navigate the challenges of life with confidence and courage, knowing that He is indeed enough for our present and our future.
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