Discovery Journal

Joe C. – June 16, 2010

Scripture:

Col 2:16-19 16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. 19 He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

Observation:

In verses 16-19, Paul is telling the Colossians to let other people judge them for what they eat and do, essentially based on their human "rules"; many of which were based in the Old Testament and I am guessing, some that were made up at the time and had no biblical backing; all because "it just seemed like a good idea." Additionally, there is a caution against those people who are caught up in their own self worth. Those people have lost the "connection with the Head," and will no longer grow because of that disconnection.

Application:

I must focus on Christ and faith in Christ alone, not on any sets of rules or regulations that someone decides should be my focus. Even though the verse says not to let anyone judge us, we must also not allow ourselves to judge anyone else. Our purpose is to seek Christ, to spend time with Christ, and to be different because of that. Others will notice that we are different by our actions, not because we are following a set of rules, but because we have Christ living within our hearts.

Prayer:

Almighty God, please strengthen me in my faith walk. Let me not be distracted by the rules of the world, but instead help me to continue to seek You, to spend time with You, to know You, and in that, I will be different to those around me.