Caution: Traps Ahead
Today, Bill Nation, came to work on some grading issues in front of our house. Bill was actually one my respiratory therapists when I was in the Rehab Hospital. He has a background in construction and his help was greatly appreciated. I had workout with my trainer today. Even though I wasn’t sure how strong I have been, I was able to walk a stretch without crutches. You can checkout my FaceBok site for the video. https://www.facebook.com/ken.summers53
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ. For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ…” Colossians 2:8,9 HCSB
The challenge of staying true to the teaching and example of Christ is one that has existed since the days of the early church. The Colossians were facing some real threats from philosophies of the day. The danger Paul says, is that these philosophies can take the believer in Christ, “captive.”
It may start small, it may be a frontal attack against the truth of Christ. However it comes, it distorts, distracts and subverts full devotion to Christ. Paul says most of these attacks against the truth come from philosophy, human traditions and even basic forces in nature and the world.
This afternoon I attended a book signing of former Governor Bill Ritter. I have a lot of respect for his work on environmental and energy issues, even though we have some different perspectives. But as I see ideas, positions and prognostications about the future of the climate it is very much a human-centric approach. Mankind is in charge of his own destiny, any problem, any issue has a human (or government) solution.
We see in our day as in Paul’s, divisions and issues over rituals, and days and traditions.“… don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of what was to come; the substance is the Messiah.” (Colossians 2:16,17 HCSB)
Paul recognizes that some of these issues may not be “bad” or “wrong,” but they become a snare when they supersede Christ and obedience to Him and worship of Him. Jesus was criticized by the Pharisees over His actions on the Sabbath. They judged the One who made the Sabbath, about His observances of Sabbath. It shows how they lost their focus and supplanted worship of Christ with worship of tradition.
One of the most dangerous deceptions comes from “spiritual revelations.” Paul cautions, “Let no one disqualify you, insisting on ascetic practices and the worship of angels, claiming access to a visionary realm and inflated without cause by his unspiritual mind.” (Colossians 2:18 HCSB)
When dreams, revelations and “spiritual insight” supplants the focus on Christ and His teaching, watch out! One of the greatest enemies to true spiritual gifts, miracles and manifestations are those that contradict Christ’s character and truth and elevates the status of the individual.
If you want to know God, if you want true spiritual insight focus on Jesus. Hebrews declares Him, “the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…” (Matthew 11:29 NIV) As Jesus prayed in the upper room, He said, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.“ (John 17:3)
Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration as Peter, James and John looked on. Here is what happened, “…a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.… When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.” (Matthew 17:5-8 NIV)
Jesus is greater than Moses the lawgiver and judge. He is greater than Elijah and the prophets. He is God’s Son. Look to Him and allow Jesus to be your constant focus and plumb line.