Devotion for September 7, 2008

Christ Alone

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” (Colossians 2:8-10 NKJV)

Imitation crab might be suitable for those with a less refined palate, but imitation religion will leave an aftertaste that no one can endure. Paul warns believers to beware of cheats who will rob them of their joy by placing a burden of legalism on their backs.

The trap is set with philosophy according to the traditions of men. Its base error is in accordance with principle of the world, earthly, carnal. Two philosophies dominated the day, Gnosticism and Judaism. The Gnostics reasoned their way into lewd behavior by separating the spirit from the body maintaining the two functioned without mutual consequences. The Jews did much the same; by following their own set of rules they ignored God’s rules. Both groups excused their sin, and substituted a god of their own creation for the One True God.

My dear friends in Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead, and you are complete in Him. Beware of those who are not focused on exalting Christ and His grace. When the program becomes more important than the people are, when church attendance is extolled over holiness, when doing church is more important than worship, then give care to your souls.

It is the most natural thing for a man to reason his way through life. He evaluates his successes and failures by his desires. If he satisfies his desire, then he will want to repeat this so-called success. He will repeat his method. The Gnostics wanted to have a God and live in sin. They created their own god and religion to accomplish their desire. The Jews wanted to have God and live in their sin. They took a different tack, but ended in the same place—with a god of their own making. Today men want to see their churches full and their budgets met.

Isn’t there something illogical about this emphasis on numbers when Christ said there would be few that find the way? The church growth industry is huge. Has the modern church lost its way? Is this emphasis on numbers just another empty philosophy? You be the judge, but as for me and my house—We will serve the Lord!