August 6 | Colossians 2:6-15
- Judy Webb
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
FOCUS AND TRUTH
By Judy Webb
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8 (NIV)
Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world rather than from Christ. (NLT)
Amid false teaching of the day, Paul is telling the Colossians to stand firm in their faith. Don’t be fooled by those who are clueless to the things which really matter. Some are not wise to the ways of the evil one. They don’t understand nor grasp the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. This command is relevant for us today, also. In a world that values things which don’t matter, we must always search for truth.
I had a friend who would tell me how he respects my faith and my dedication to attending church every week, but in the same breath admitted he did not. He said he believed in Jesus, but figured that was all that was necessary. He would tell me, “I’m a good person. People like me. I never killed anyone nor robbed a bank. Why would I not get into heaven when I die?” Why indeed! (high-sounding nonsense from human thinking).
This passage of Colossians is full of truth, that that friend was seeking, without knowing it. Unfortunately, at that time, I didn’t know how to respond as I would today. This is one of those ‘if only’ moments for me.
The more we read from Colossians, we find more instruction for faithful living… “follow him” (v.6). As we read on, we are encouraged to dig deep and let your roots go down… (v.7). Verse 8 continues to instruct us not to listen to “high-sounding nonsense” rather than to Christ. The false teachers of the day were offering many options in addition to Jesus. Paul is saying there is no other option…only Jesus. This is still a touchy topic in today’s world, but truth is truth. You will never go hungry as there is enough spiritual meat in these verses to feed hungry souls for years.
PRAYER
Lord help us to keep our focus on Jesus to change our life. We want to keep trusting, keep obeying and keep receiving Christ. Help us encounter Him every day. Jesus should define our life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUDY WEBB
I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for almost 20 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.
It struck me like a stone thrown...keep receiving Christ. A continuous constant open heart and mind relationship that changes our understanding. Lean on God not my own understanding. Praise Jesus.