[Since you died with Christ] to the elemental spiritual forces of this world …
Summary: “Life” and “death” from God’s perspective is very different from our own. What the world refuses to acknowledge is the truth that every human being is eternal. When we are with God, we have life. When we are apart from him, we are dead.
This is the second time the text of Paul’s letter refers to “elemental spiritual forces.” (See “Colossians 2:8c – Spiritual Dangers” for the first discussion on this topic.) Since we have already discussed the roots of this phrase, let’s talk about the application of Paul’s words.
The “elementary spiritual forces” could be a lot of things. Paul, in my opinion, is being intentionally vague for a reason. God understands that the words Paul is writing on his behalf are for the benefit of future generations. It would be a mistake to tie his point to a single threat.
For example, what if Paul had written this:
“Since you died with Christ to the worship of angels … (See Colossians 2:18).
If his statement had been that specific, anyone reading these words would have ignored his comment unless they were involved in the worship of angels or knew someone who was. But since Paul has used a broad brush to paint his word picture, each one of us reading Paul’s words is challenged to wonder what he means by “elemental spiritual forces.”
The first thing that comes to mind is that God is an “elemental spiritual force.” In fact, you might say that God is THE Elemental Spiritual Force. But Paul did not say he was talking about all spiritual forces. Instead, Paul points us to the elemental spiritual forces of this world.
Death, the way God sees it, is illustrated by the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). In the story, when the youngest son turns his back on his father and leaves home, he is “dead” to the family. When he decides to return, the father sees him as “alive” again (vs 32).
To put ourselves into the parable of the Prodigal Son, we are born into a family that turned its back on God (Genesis 3:1-7). Since that time, every descendant of Adam and Eve has been born “dead” to God.
Like the father in the parable, God waits for us to turn to him. When we do, he embraces us and welcomes us home. We become “alive” to our Father in heaven. Like the story, God’s family celebrates when we awaken to our need for our Father and come home (Luke 15:10). Just as we “die” to God by living apart from him, we “die” to the world when we turn back to God.
Can we be “alive” to both worlds at the same time? Can we be faithful to God and still dabble in the philosophies and spiritual teachings of the world?
I am convinced Paul would say “No” (Romans 8:5-8).
Application: Choose Life!
Food for Thought: What are examples of “elemental spiritual forces” that people today like to dabble in?
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