Colossians 2:16-17

Colossians 2:16-17

Therefore, let no one judge you in eating or drinking or in the participation in festivals or a new moon or a Sabbath.  These are shadows of the things to come – the body of Christ.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul then gives us great advice.  Let nobody judge you.  Honestly, this is great advice!  Is God going to consult the people around us as to whether we are saved or not?  Is God going to consult the people around us as to whether we are a part of the body of Christ or not?  Who is it that makes the determination of our salvation?  Of course God is the one who matters!  We should not let other people influence us into getting our identity from anyone else but the Father.  Of course, it helps to get other people’s opinions and ideas about certain things.  But when it comes to siting judge over us, why would we trust anyone except for the God of both grace and glory?

We is judge over you?  How do you invite people into your life – people like mentors – yet still make sure that they are not a judge over your life?

Second Thought:

 Paul lists specific things that people like to use as a basis for judgment.  Paul talks about Sabbaths – that is, whether or not you regularly attend the teaching of God’s Word in a particular manner.  Does it matter if I worship in one way or another if both are legitimate expressions of the faith that God has bestowed upon us?  Does it matter if I worship on Saturday or Sunday so long as I am worshipping the one true God?  Or what about festivals and new moons?  Does it really matter if I celebrate communion with unleavened bread and wine or is leavened bread and grape juice good enough?  Does it matter if I celebrate Good Friday one way or another way?  Does it matter if I celebrate Christmas in a particular way so long as God is praised for giving us His Son?  In the end, what is truly important: the God I worship or the precise manner about which faith is put into practice?  Are we a people of unity and liberty or strict obedience?

Where do you fall in this spectrum?  Are you a person who gives liberty to genuine expressions of faith that are different than yours?  Are you a person who tends to judge those who are not like you or do you embrace diversity among the believers?

Third Thought:

Finally, Paul gives us a neat thought.  All of these things are simply a foreshadowing of the body of Christ.  All of these things are a foreshadowing of what dwelling in the presence of God will be like.  So I’m left pondering one very serious question.  What is more important: knowing that I am a part of the body of Christ or making sure that other people are acting in the way that I think the body should act?

Does the body of Christ bring you joy?  What do you think you will be like on the day that we are truly the body of Christ forever and eternal in the presence of God?

Passage for Tomorrow: Colossians 2:18-19