No, No, No

Colossians 2-Part 7
You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, "Don't handle! Don't taste! Don't touch!"? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and servere bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person's evil desires.    
 Colossians 2:20-23 NLT


LET IT GLOW

Probably the most common word a toddler learns to say, after dada and mamma, is no, no, no. We say it hundreds of times a day as moms, or so it seems. We try to teach our children right and wrong for their own sake. We try to keep them from getting hurt. Do I say no to God in the same way I said no to my children? Paul must have been quite knowledgeable on the Gnostic religion. He teaches the Colossians why they should not do as these legalists did.

Since we died at the time of our conversion, we are seperated from the world, the ABC's of elememtary spiritual instructions. Paul mentions the Gnostic rules concerning meat and drink (Col. 2:16). They have the "don't do" and we simply have "do because we are in Christ." Their dietary laws forbid certain foods and drinks. They observed holy days. Their practices were enslaving.

David Guzik said, "Self-imposed religion is man reaching to God, trying to justify himself by keeping a list of rules. Christianity is God reaching down to man in love through Christ."

Are we any different from the people who lived in New Testament times? The problem is, we stray away from Christ and reading His Word. Then we become more like the world. We would rather keep rules instead of living by love-love for God and love for others. Where's our faith and obedience? We think that makes us okay with God instead of repenting of our sins. Ouch!


LET IT GROW

Paul says that those rules of the Gnostics require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. Maybe I should be the same way toward my Christian beliefs-strong in devotion to Christ and reading His Word, devout in self-denial, and severe and serious in bodily discipline. Then it would be a good thing. Sounds like homework to me. Will you join me?

Did you notice the last sentence? Their rules gave them no help in conquering their evil desires. Jesus is available when we ask for His help in resisting temptations and evil desires. He has overcome the world. He is all-powerful. Do I call on Him for help or try to manage on my own?


LET IT GO


Let go of the rules, just love God and people.

Develop a strong devotion to Christ.

Be devout in self-denial.

Get serious about disciple concerning my body.

Say yes to God instead of no.

Show love today.