02.24
I love Colossians, chapter 2. It’s helped me survive ministry, especially verses 18 and 23. Here’s what those verses say in The Message:
Don’t tolerate people who try to run your life, ordering you to bow and scrape, insisting that you join their obsession with (spiritual things) and seek out visions like they do. They’re a lot of hot air, that’s all they are. They’re completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ… They sound impressive (especially when they talk) in a deep voice. They even give the illusion of being pious, humble and (spiritual). But it’s just another way of showing off, making (themselves) look important.
Some people sound so spiritual. They’re even respected by many in their church, but they’re really “a lot of hot air.” I prefer people who are honest with themselves and God. Take Trey Fraser, for example:
Last night, Trey (age eight) found me at church and told me that he was raising money for the American Heart Association. He had his pledge form in hand and wanted me to contribute. Trey said, “I want to be truthful with you. I am raising money for people who have heart problems, but I really want to raise alot of money so I can win the big prizes.”
I love someone who’s honest like that! After hearing Trey’s pitch, I gave him an extra dollar…
How do you feel when you talk to someone who’s a bunch of hot air? What’s God teaching you through Colossians 2?
P.S. We don’t have anyone in our church (that I know of) who’s full of hot air. I think it’s because we like to pop their balloons.
This part jumped out for me “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ”. The reality of the person I see in the mirror seems out of sync with the person you are supposed to become when you accept Christ. The person I see in the mirror is still sinful, often a failure, and in so many ways a personal disappointment. And you shudder to think of how far you miss the mark from God’s perspective. So much potential…so little of it realized is what I always imagine. God is testing me. From my point of view, it looks like another failling grade. I’ve been given the fullness of Christ, and I’m not doing a good job with it. I’m sure I’ve squandered it like the prodigal son. Even though I’m older now, immaturity is still hanging around. But I want to help. Hopefully, the job requirements are very low. There are so many wonderful people at this Church. I don’t need to be concerned about blowing my first job; there are plenty of people around here to give you OJT. I’m ready.
I think it was Leonard Sweet who wore the T-shirt that said “…Dear God, Please save me from your people…”. My guess is that the disingenuous masses that congregate in most places of worship each Sunday do more to hurt the cause of the kingdom than help it. I don’t think they do it on purpose but they do it nonetheless. Just like their wardrobe they dress up in their best facade week in and week out for 2 hours and then wear their “holy” (pun intended) t-shirts and tattered socks the rest of the week. Both literally and figuratively. Why not just come as you are? You can dress your body any way you want, but it’s the dress of your heart that most closely holds your true reflection.
Don’t get me wrong I was that person and still am in many regards. I’m not immune to recognizing my own flaws. There are many
That said I would rather have an honest jerk as my dinner guest than an eloquent, and beautiful impostor anytime. At least I know the jerk is consistently a jerk.
Pious, humble and spiritual just aren’t words that anyone I know or who knows me would use to describe me! God is amazing in that He can use a flat out, cracked pot, old lady like me to plant a garden in! And He made me self watering!!! ( my tears) Sure there is crab grass in it, but a shot of Starbucks and His word helps to keep it down. I sure love this study and will miss it!