Lost in Translation

I'm in the process of working on an essay for a scholarship, so when my parents asked what I was doing I said, "analyzing how new media impacts peace around the world." However, what they heard was, "analyzing how nude videos impact pizza around the world." 

In Colossians 4:3-4 Paul says,

"At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison -- that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."

Paul, who has been imprisoned for proclaiming the gospel, prays that he may again share the mystery of Christ. We don't often refer to Christ as a mystery, but that's very much what he is. It is a mystery as to why he created us, knowing that we would disappoint. It is a mystery as to why he would want us to spend eternity in his presence. It is a mystery as to why he humbled himself to such an extent that he became the lowest and most despised of all of his own creation. It is a mystery as to why he lived a perfect life and died so that those far below him may die to an imperfect life and live.

We can't understand why Christ did what he did. That's why it's so hard to explain to those who don't yet believe. We often get bogged down in the confusing facts revolving around the history of Israel, creation, obscure prophecies, and the diverse interpretations of various Scriptures. But Paul tells us to pray for God to make opportunities for us and give us the ability to speak clearly concerning Christ. The Scripture also tells us that we should pray not only for ourselves, but that others may too have doors opened and that they may speak clearly. I Corinthians 14:33 tells us that our God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. God doesn't want us to be confused about what he's saying, and he certainly doesn't want our words to confuse others. If we pray that we may have the opportunity and ability to share God's gospel, and not our often opinion-tainted, humanized version, then we will be able to be filled with and fill others with the clarity that our God provides.