Not of This World

²⁰ If you have died with Christ to the ^[j]elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were still living in the world, do you submit to rules and regulations, such as, ²¹ “Do not handle [this], do not taste [that], do not [even] touch!”? ²² (these things all perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men. ²³ These practices indeed have the appearance [that popularly passes as that] of wisdom in self-made religion and mock humility and severe treatment of the body (asceticism) but are of no value against sinful indulgence [because they do not honor God]. Colossians 2:20-23

I grew up with a lot of good rules, rules that were to make me a better Christian and make me pleasing to the Father. The problem was I didn’t always see the value or why those things that I shouldn’t do were so bad. Not doing those things didn’t change my heart, they just made me look good to others and to myself. I had friends in less strict denominations who were taught how to evaluate different types of entertainment and why certain choices were better than others. Many of those strict rules led me to judge others inappropriately and feel superior to them spiritually. Oh, if we would seek Jesus and follow His word instead of man-made rules, meant for good, but in truth, were taking the easy way out. It is so much easier to say, “Do not do that,” rather than take time to teach why certain things are dangerous to our spiritual health and do not please God. To instruct in where and how to find answers in His Word. We need to make sure young Christians know how much God loves everyone and that we were chosen to worship and reflect His glory. We need to make sure they know how to respond to and pray for those who reject God’s love. We need to point them to Jesus, not some rule book.

Lord Jesus, help us not to look at others and judge according to man’s rules, but love and help all under our influence to seek Jesus and look to Him for wisdom and principals to live by. I love the phrase, “What would Jesus do?”  Help us to know You so well that it becomes our first response to do what You would do if you were in each situation. How would You show love, compassion, correction, concern? Oh Father, we need to be more like You. Please help us to be good examples of ones who love and belongs to our heavenly Father. Help us to keep our eyes on the eternal, not the temporal. Help us not to get caught up in worldly arguments or concerns, but to remember this world is not our home!