COLOSSIANS 2:8-10: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”
OBSERVATION: Someone wisely has said – “All truth is God’s truth”. Yet, many today use this to try and introduce worldly ideas and philosophies into the life of the church. Just because something is true does not make it God’s direction and will for our lives. The overriding question is – “Does it lead us to a deeper walk of faith in Christ Jesus?”
If something is true, but it leads us to trust in man, ourselves, or anything other than Jesus Christ it is the “basic principles of the world”. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” Over and over Jesus said – “You have heard it said, but I say unto you…” Each time Jesus was referring to something that was “true”, but it was not the “heart” of the Father. The law instructed one to repay an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Yet, in the New Covenant, Jesus calls us to turn the other cheek and to bless and pray for those who are our enemies and despitefully use us. This is a Kingdom principle that supersedes the conventional wisdom of the world.
So, how are we to discern? Ask this simple question – “Is it according to Christ?” In other words, does it line up with the revealed and written life and teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ? The only way to know that is to be a student of the Word. Jesus said, “If you are My true disciples, you will continue in My word, and you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free!” (John 8:31-32) So we need to do an honest inventory of our lives. Who are we listening to? What are we consulting? Are we relying more on the advice of “secular sources”, or are we looking to the One in Whom dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily? We will only find our healing and our fulfillment in Christ Jesus!
Lord, help me to look to Jesus in all that I do. Help me to meditate upon His words, to consider His life, to emulate His sacrifice. May His Word abide in me richly each day. May I walk in the Truth and Freedom that is only found in Christ Jesus! In Jesus Name!
