Living the letters: Colossians...Continued from page 1

• Paul refers to the believers in Colosse as “stalwart,” which means “strongly and stoutly built; sturdy and robust.”1 When you think about a sturdy or robust believer, who comes to mind? What is it about him or her that says “stalwart”?

• Think about the group of believers you run with. If Paul greeted your group, would he use words like “strongly and stoutly built; sturdy and robust”? If so, why? If not, what

words might he use?

Consider Paul’s statement, “The lines of purpose in your lives never grow slack, tightly tied as they are to your future in heaven, kept taut by hope.” Think about your own line of

faith. Is it taut, slack, threadbare, or what? How do you think hope plays into the condition of your faith?

READ

From Scott’s Last Expedition by Robert Falcon Scott2

Monday, January 8

(In November 1910, the vessel Terra Nova left New Zealand carrying a team of explorers led by Robert Falcon Scott. Scott’s goal was to be the first man to reach the South Pole. He kept a detailed journal until March 29, 1912, when the last of the team was lost in a blizzard.) It is quite impossible to speak too highly of my companions. Each fulfills his office to the party; Wilson, first as doctor, ever on the lookout to alleviate the small pains and troubles incidental to the work; now as cook, quick, careful and dexterous, ever thinking of some fresh expedient to help the camp life; tough as steel on the traces, never wavering from start to finish.

Evans, a giant worker with a really remarkable headpiece. It is only now I realize how much has been due to him. Our ski shoes and crampons have been absolutely indispensable, and if the original ideas were not his, the details of manufacture and design

and the good workmanship are his alone. . . .