Troublesome Questions

Scripture – Colossians 2:20-23: ²⁰Since 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: ²¹“Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²²These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. ²³Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is a powerful question! As much as I’m committed to Christ and continue to follow Him in new, deeper ways, this question continues to come up. Since Christ has freed me from the concerns and power of this world, why do I still live as though I belong to the world? What holds me back? Why does peer pressure still exert such influence on me? Why do I let that happen?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will pay attention to those questions today. I’ll note a couple of instances when I find myself submitting to the world’s rules rather than the rule of Christ. I’ll write those down and mull them over until I understand the “Why?” Then, I’ll turn one of them over to Christ to change me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I’ve been playing at spiritual growth in some areas of my life. You know that. Help me today to move past that and move into authentic transformation. Make me different today. Change me as this day progresses.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.