Devotion:
Read Colossians 2:2-8.
Paul is reminding the Colossians to "keep their focus." The determining factor between winning or losing in the fields of competition is keyed on the ability of the athletes to keep their eyes on that which is most important. In a similar way, it is vitally important in our walk with the Lord to keep our eyes on Jesus. There are times when we feel incompetent to stand against the world's "fine-sounding arguments." But, our best defense is not our ability to articulate our beliefs but rather to keep our focus on the truth, Jesus Christ, and to live a life that honors Him. In other words, "I may not understand your argument but I know Jesus and he is the one who has all wisdom and knowledge."
These kinds of teaching still pose problems for the church today. What "fine-sounding arguments" today lure us away from Christ and hinder our spiritual maturity? How do we strike a balance between becoming too narrow and thick-headed so that no one can teach us anything new and too wide with our views so that we begin to jump on every new bandwagon of thought? Here is a solid biblical test to see whether or not a philosophy or teaching is true. Ask this two-part question: "Does this teaching agree with God's Word and does it bring glory to Jesus Christ?"
Receiving Christ as Lord of your life is the beginning of life with Christ. But we must continue to follow his leadership by being rooted, built up, and strengthened in the faith. Paul uses the illustration of our being rooted in Christ. Plants draw nourishment from the soil through their roots. We draw our life-giving strength from Christ. The more we draw our strength from the right source, Christ, the less we will be fooled by those who falsely claim to have life's answers.
Personal Worship Option:
Pray this today: Father, help me to remember that your deep roots sustain me through droughts, steady me through trials, and nourish me to thrive. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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