Andrew Bonar preaches about Epaphras' fervent prayers for the Colossian believers to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Epaphras, despite being a prisoner, devoted himself to prayer, laboring fervently and consistently for the spiritual growth and maturity of the Colossians. His main focus was on believers attaining moral maturity, fulfilling God's purpose for their lives, and standing blameless before Him. Epaphras understood the importance of believers being fully assured and persuaded in the will of God, knowing that this assurance leads to spiritual growth, maturity, and the ability to make right decisions in life.

Here are some questions I recommend you ask yourself. In quiet silence ask, "Am I always truthful and honest? I claim to be a Christian, and I believe that the root of the matter is in me and the seed of God is in my heart. I believe I am the Lord"s child, but I am not satisfied with the frozen-over rut. Lord, help me to be honest while I answer. Am I always truthful on the telephone? Am I always honest with my creditors, with my employers, with my employees and in all social contracts and contacts?" Somebody may say, "What's the difference?" Dishonesty and shading of the truth are sins that grieve the Holy Spirit and bring on the winter. The winter of your discontent may be upon you, and like the life in a leafless tree, your life is buried within. You may have grieved the Holy Spirit by untruthfulness. One of the first things Christians have to do is become perfectly honest with God and perfectly truthful in everything they say.