Colossians__2
Scripture Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces[a] of this world rather than on Christ.
Observation-What does it say? Paul writes this letter to the church at Colossae, another city in modern day Turkey, while still in prison in Rome. The letter was also intended to be read to the church in Laodicea. Colossae’s population was primarily Gentile, however there was a large Jewish population, and therefore they struggled with problems arising from Jewish legalism and pagan mysticism. “Colossians contains teaching on several key areas of theology, including the deity of Christ (1:15–20; 2:2–10), reconciliation (1:20–23), redemption (1:13, 14; 2:13, 14; 3:9–11), election (3:12), forgiveness (3:13), and the nature of the church (1:18, 24, 25; 2:19; 3:11, 15). Also, as noted above, it refutes the heretical teaching that threatened the Colossian church (chap. 2)” (John MacArthur).
Understanding-What does it mean? I once worked with a man who told me, “You aren’t going to heaven because you eat pork.” I also had another person tell me, “You aren’t really a Christian unless you have been baptized by a Catholic priest.” And, there was the other one who said, “You aren’t really saved unless you speak in tongues.” I’ve heard probably one hundred or more reasons as to why I’m not going to heaven, or why I’m not “really” a Christian. Most of these statements have come from really well-meaning people, some of whom I really loved.
I myself have fallen into this category of adding things to what the Bible says. And I have the tendency to fall into a pattern of considering worldly “wisdom” above what the Bible tells me. For me this wisdom generally falls into two categories: health and wealth. I can be very religious about following the religions of health and wealth, trying to become the best and richest version of myself possible. The problem with this is that it always leaves me empty and wanting more. Additionally, because these are selfish ambitions, they can be completely contrary to what God has called us to.
I would rather have my life be defined by how well I represent the true message of Jesus, and his saving grace through his death on the cross. To the Corinthians Paul wrote, “For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:23-25). So while it would be nice to have a six pack, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” 1 Timothy 4:8.
Life Application Jesus, help me to remember to trust in you first. In my finances, I want you to have control, so help me to give beyond my means. Help me to remember that, ultimately, my time on Earth is short and that seeing you in eternity is more important than being obsessed with my health now. Give me the right words to say and the knowledge of when to use them.
-Tyler Galloway