Godly Submission

"Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules...they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above...." (Colossians 2:20-3:1).

A fanatic is one who is sure the Almighty would agree with him, if only the Almighty had all the facts. The next time you see someone who acting fanatical, remember this: that person believes that if you had all the facts as he does, after all, standing on his pedestal of some supposed super-knowledge, you would act that way too. This is not to say that we should not be involved in causes that are just, but they must be just according to God's truth, not some man's super-natural knowledge of truth.  Anyone remember, Jim Jones and the purple cool-aid?  "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Colossians 3:23, 24b)

Even in the churches today we find those men who bring to their congregations some supposed new teaching, clothed in portions of truth.  How do we guard against such men? How does a bank teller know the difference between a forgery and the genuine bill? They study the original until they know it completely, then, they can spot the forgery instantly. Even if the forgery is really close to the genuine, all bills are measured against the "real" genuine bill.  Therefore, we as Christians must be in God's word for ourselves and measure what we hear, even if it is from our favorite pastor or teacher, with the light of God's Word and Truth.

Paul writing to the Colossians was addressing heresy that wormed its way into their church. Paul does not give us the name of the heresy but we can infer from his words that the nature of the heresy included such things as: Ceremonialism, Asceticism, Angel worship, Depreciation of Christ, Reliance on human wisdom and tradition, and secret knowledge.  These are forms of Judaism, the need for Christians to follow certain rules and laws akin to the Mosaic Law; and Gnosticism, they hold that there is a secret knowledge one must obtain to reach the heights of heaven.  Does any of this sound like some of the pundits who claim to have the "secret", the "keys", to heaven?

Here is the answer for all of this and of great reward if we do it, no secret, no books on "The Secret", or those who proclaim they have some knowledge from God; "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom" (Colossians 3:16a). This takes determination and work, but, remember this, we are: "...God's chosen people holy and dearly loved" (Colossians 3:12a).  Not fanatical, just determined to follow our Lord and Savior and not allow this world to distract us from the knowledge of who I am and whose I am.  It is Jesus first, call it fanatical, call it what you like, I don't claim super-knowledge, just living our lives for Him. 

Daily Prayer:

Thank you Heavenly Father for adopting me into your family and giving to me Your Holy Spirit to guide me as as I live in this fallen world that aspires to remove You from me and others.  Help me to become a blessing to others as I read and meditate upon your word so that I might know the truth of You through the leading of Holy Spirit.  Thank you for Your patience, Your Love. My eyes are upon the cross where my Savior died for me.                                                                                   Amen