(The following is the September 10 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Colossians 2 and pay close attention to verses 20-23.)
Each religion has practices it encourages for different reasons. Christians act in ways because of our faith, but we must be clear and biblically sound about the relationship of such actions to our faith.
Paul warned the Colossian Christians, “If you died with Christ to the elements of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations: ‘Don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch’? All these regulations refer to what is destined to perish by being used up; they are human commands and doctrines. Although these have a reputation for wisdom by promoting self-made religion, false humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence” (vv. 20-23).
The behaviors encouraged by the false teachers at Colossae didn’t guarantee a more secure standing before God. Those tempted to live a life of greater religiosity don’t impress Christ since he won’t love us more because we do more things we think he likes. He already loved us enough to die for us before we were born and could do anything.
Paul warned believers about reverting to something less than dependence on Christ for salvation. If they “died with Christ to the elements of this world,” why would they trade that freedom in Christ for a lesser faith that depends on regulations and self-made religion?
Genuine faith produces action. We gladly live out our faith and apply God’s Word in everyday life. However, our motive is gratitude and love for God in response to what he has done for us in Christ – not something we do to earn his favor.
Next Step:
What actions do you take related to your faith? Are they in response to what Christ has done in your life or to earn his favor? If the latter, it’s time to evaluate your relationship with Christ.
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