1I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2My purpose 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, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Paul was not passively wishing that people might come to know Jesus – he struggled with it. He was active, not passive. It’s interesting to know that as part of the character of Paul. His dedication to praying for the Colossians and interest in their progress is impressive to me since he was likely hundreds of miles away from them.

I also noticed that when you know Jesus, the results seem to be as follows: wisdom, knowledge and order. I have a friend that often says that God is not the God of confusion. Which is funny to me because I am often confused by God, but this is really a result of my own shortcomings, inability to listen to what God is saying (usually handicapped by my own desires) and lack of constant prayer. If I know who God is, as Paul says, I will have wisdom and knowledge.