May 31
Dead to worldly attitudes
Colossians 2:20

 
  1. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances.
  2. (Touch not; taste not; handle not:
  3. Which all are to perish with the using:) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

 

This isn’t a direct ‘command’ so to speak but he poses the question ‘why are you subjecting yourselves to these things’ in such a way to mean that we should not subject ourselves to these things.

If we have died with Christ to the things of this world then why do we get all wrapped up still in the things of the world?  As you read on you see he’s talking about the worldly, often religious, way of thinking that will appear to be wise and make yourself look good because it looks as if you are making sacrifices for a good cause.

These things are not actually bringing the flesh under subjection to God, they are not honoring God, they are actually indulging the flesh looking for self glory (see verses 21-23 in the Amplified Bible).  We in the church need to be careful we don’t fall into that worldly attitude.  If we think by sacrificing all these things for a ‘good cause’ glorifies God, he says otherwise here.

Are we truly interested in advancing the Kingdom or are we interested in some attention and perhaps even some pity by people thinking we’ve ‘given up’ a lot for the Lord?

 

Confession:

I have died with Christ to the attitudes of the world.  I will not carry that attitude with me as a Christian.  I will not look to sacrifice in order to get attention for myself.  I will not look to obey rules and regulations for the purpose of bringing glory to myself.  I will look to honor God in all I do.

 

 

Obedience is a tree of life!