“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united
in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in
order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden
all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no
one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” Colossians 2:2-4
Paul writes to the brothers in Colossae regarding a
heretical teaching that has reportedly entered the church there. The details of this teaching are unclear, yet
Paul has heard reports of rigorous self-denial and legalism as a means of
warding off evil powers. Paul’s letter
has a heavy dose of Christ’s sovereignty to break the church out of hold this
infiltrating group seems to have on them.
Today it seems as though people make God into anything that
suits them. Not wanting to deal with the
messy business of personal sin, they choose to see God as kind, loving and
benevolent, period. Some choose to see
God as ruling with an iron fist, seeing each and every calamity as His
punishment on a wayward world from which they are exempt. They are exempt because they also choose to
believe they are good and loved by God. Still others cling to
other religious interpretations of who God is.
They either see Jesus as a kind, merciful healer, not wanting to focus
on His violent death or they leave Him out of the equation altogether. And what of sin?
Man wants to believe that even though he is not perfect
surely he is on God’s good side because he believes in Him and goes to church. Being a Christian is much more than that. Our conversion is meant to be a life altering
experience where our focus is on God and God alone. This is so we might know the truth and not be
fooled into believing one of the many deceptions that exist today. Until next
time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
