Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Tues Devo: Building from the source

Colossians 2:6-8 “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” (NASB)

What an interesting time we live in! As we look at the political and social landscape today, not only are there strongly differing opinions – but in an age with technology where those opinions can be freely shared. What is truth? What is only part of the truth? What is completely false, but looks good? What evidence can be crafted to support the feeling/opinion?
It is certainly challenging to sift through and figure out what is truth. We need context, we need history, we need full details, and we need an open mind. If we don’t approach discovery with an attitude of wanting truth instead of wanting to support our pre-conceived feelings we will miss things.

I am not here to say in the political arena what is and isn’t truth and what is and isn’t right (happy to chat on that 1-1, seems to be more effective that way) but I am here to encourage all of us as believers to start with the source of truth as our real foundation for belief – not just our opinions and feelings. Scripture should shape our feelings and opinions. We must approach God’s word looking to learn and be influenced, not looking for support of what makes us feel good. I think Paul addressed this in his letter to Colossae where he talked about being rooted AND built up in Christ. He then just a verse later talks about the dangers of being swayed by people with their opinions and traditions. We must watch what is driving our opinions and beliefs – and it should be Christ through His word. How do we do that? Read…..the whole thing! Don’t fall into just looking for 1 or 2 verses, get context and seek understanding – let that propel you forward.

Have a blessed day,


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