Musings

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." ~Colossians 2:6-8

I have been reading through Colossians for the past couple of days. It's been about 5 years since the last time I read through it and as much as I love Paul, Colossians just isn't one of those books that comes to mind when I think of him. And now that I've read it again, I'm not sure why it's always been so far from my mind. This book is AMAZING. In fact, I may just read it a few more times before I move on.

I don't know if it's because 5 years down the road I find the teaching in this book to be more relevant or what, but I find the Spirit really opening my heart to what's being said. The book itself spends a lot of time stressing the importance of recognizing our newness in Christ. Remembering that who we were is no more. It also warns against false teachers and philosophies that are disguised to look like Christian teaching. I felt admonished by the Spirit to continually be aware of what I hear and see everyday. To not just accept what's being told to me, but to hold fast to His word.

I have had the opportunity in the past couple of weeks to talk at length with some folks who claim Christ, but borrow philosophies from all different belief systems and mix it in to create some sort of religious soup. It's strange, but the only times I've had encounters with these people were in situations where I couldn't really counter what they were saying with Truth (i.e. customers at work, etc.). I remember feeling frustrated that the Lord was putting people in my path that I couldn't share the Truth with, but as I read through Colossians I got the distinct feeling that the Lord was reiterating with real life experience what He was revealing to me through His word.

That's all I really have to say. Until next time. :o)