These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.
Summary: It can be easy to lose sight of Paul’s message in the complexity of his words. But the heart of his message is simple: He wants us to understand what God wants from us.
In our last meditation, we discussed various kinds of rules. Some rules, obviously, are for our own good. “Don’t touch a hot stove” is an example of a “good rule.” Other rules are specific to Paul’s concerns for Christians.
In the next verse, Colossians 2:23, Paul provides hints about the kinds of rules he has in mind. Everything he lists has to do with external forms of worship. Of course, this is Paul’s point.
“Bifurcation” is the art of dividing reality into two parts. It is the polar opposite of the word “nuance.” To say that the world is made up of “good” and “bad” people is bifurcation. There is no room in the middle, only “good” and “bad.”
Sometimes, bifurcation can be used to manipulate people’s thinking, but it is also a valuable logical tool. When we divide the world into two camps, it doesn’t matter if we are discussing theology, politics, or any other subject. The exercise of dividing into two parts makes us think about the differences between the two kinds of things.
And that is exactly what Paul wants us to do!
He wants us to think about the difference between external forms of worship and internal worship. The external forms are forced on a person by social pressure. Worship that comes from inside of a person comes from the heart.
The “rules” Paul is writing about to the Colossians are rules about observing holy days, bringing tithes and offerings, fasting, and such. They are the roadmap God gave to Moses centuries before. It is a map that leads people to what the man or woman of God did to show their love toward God. Sadly, over the years, people kept this form of worship, but their hearts turned to evil.
God is not fooled!
Speaking through Amos, the prophet, God says: “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me.” (Amos 5:21) Instead of hollow formalities, what God desires is the same thing all of us want — love. (Proverbs 19:22)
Love is not something we can fake. Love is not a recipe we can follow or a script we can read. Love comes from the heart.
Application: Divide what you do into things you feel you should do and things you want to do, then examine the result.
Food for Thought: Each of us comes to God by a different path. How does our personal story impact how we hear and apply Paul’s teaching about true worship?
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Continue reading “Colossians 2:22 – What God Wants”
