Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Colossians chapter 2:
8 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.
9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Paul warns us of those who would try to convince us to walk according to worldly principles, customs, and philosophies. Every day we are bombarded with man’s philosophies of how life works yet the simplicity found in Christ can be embraced by all. Men attempt to sway our thinking by constant reiteration of lies and propaganda in order to align ourselves with their view of life. We must protect our hearts from such foolish thinking and look to FATHER in establishing our foundational beliefs in all areas for only HIS Wisdom will endure the test of time. Paul continued:
20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—
21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,”
22 which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion,false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.
There are a multitude of opinions of how we ought to live and many of those opinions sound reasonable and are supported by science. However, each of us has a unique history which in turn necessitates being sensitive to HIS SPIRIT when we decide what daily choices we should make. There is no standard formula that man can establish to guide our daily lives. Men would have us neglect our bodies by following their methods and perspective only to find what works for them will not have the same impact on us. Why? We all have unique histories thus we all have unique needs and requirements. Only HIS SPIRIT knows what we need and when we need it.
The issue at hand is our individual sensitivity to hearing FATHER. If we are able to hear FATHER’S directives, we will be perfected in HIS perfect timing. As I purpose to maintain this sensitivity I find that HE navigates me through life’s challenges and opportunities which all are intended to mature me in some manner. Since we all have a unique calling, we all have a unique training course set before us. Some will be required to attend various meetings and functions to add life and others will be directed to other activities specific to the maturing of the Body of Christ. Anyone who requires or compels you to comply with their view of life is in direct conflict with HIS SPIRIT. Let us encourage each other to pursue a deeper and direct relationship with FATHER.
Paul continues in chapter 3:
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
I find that as I set my mind on things above, the earthly things and activities are less important. My priorities are slowly but surely changing and my life is becoming simpler and more fulfilling than ever before. I am able to appreciate more because I am not as preoccupied with the things of the world. I marvel how FATHER’S creation testifies of HIS Wisdom and creativity. If we are complete IN HIM then why do we place such emphasis and focus such tremendous energy on things of this world? When we finally ask the question, it is an indication that our blindness is being removed to what is truly important and lasting versus what is worldly and temporal in nature.
Our goal is to establish HIS Kingdom on this earth and we are HIS ambassadors. Let us be walking testimonies which will draw mankind to seek out the ONE we trust in. Let our fruit be “eaten” by those who hunger for a change in their life. As people perceive that we have something they are in need of, we will do our part in drawing all men to Christ. They will see the stark contrast to those who promote indulgence to the flesh.