Notes on Colossians (4):
So Paul prays for wisdom and knowledge for the Colossians, because these things are required if they are going to "lead a life worthy of the Lord." Such a life will undoubtedly not be conformed to the patterns of the world, as Paul says in Romans 12:2. But it is the prerequisite of the fully matured and fruitful-in-all-seasons life of believers in community. Often, when Paul is going to say something about ethics, about living in God's will, he exhorts his readers to "get their heads into the game."

Why? Well, here in his prayer for the Colossians, the reason for the need of wisdom is soon made evident. They are going to face trying times. They are going to need patience. There are things they will have to endure. In such times it's easy to, well, lose our minds. Lose our perspective. And thereby lose our worthy walk.

But one characteristic of wisdom is the long perspective or big picture. The Colossians, as Paul envisions it, will be able to endure all things with patience because they will keep hold of the eternal perspective--both the not yet part (the sure hope of their inheritance in the Kingdom of Light), and the already part (their redemption through the blood of Jesus). Perspective! That's the key!