Our encouragement today is to not focus on rules, but rather, set our hearts on things above. That’s where Jesus is. Then simply filter what you do, in word or deed, by the name of the Lord Jesus. If you can do it in his name, do it. If you can’t do that, don’t. Simple…
20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 2:20-23, 3:1-4, 15, 17
I was talking with some people about Christian codes of conduct the other day. Some Christian organizations and groups have such codes to hold people accountable for behaviour. The point is to help people live godly Christ-like lives and avoid sin. It turns out that they may not stop people from sinning.
Temptation transcends rules and law. Temptation has a power which is so strong we do what we don’t even want to do and what we have committed to not do (Romans 7). And we see that the Apostle Paul views such rules as having the appearance of wisdom, yet there is a false sense of humility in such rules. He says rules lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
What? Rules don’t work? That doesn’t make sense. A fence around a yard gives children the freedom to know and enjoy their domain and to stay within its bounds. Unless they want out. Then they climb the fence. Or sneak out the window. Or replace the vodka with water.
Rules aren’t really the point. And Paul knows it. Since we have been raised with Christ, our encouragement is to not focus on rules, but rather, set our hearts on things above. That’s where Jesus is. He is seated at the right hand of God. He is not looking over your shoulder with a clipboard. Jesus is not the God of rules. Jesus is the God of freedom from rules. Set your heart and mind where he is. Set your sights on heaven.
How to I do that?
First, let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. Relax and rest in him. Don’t take comfort in rules or boundaries or fences. Take comfort in Jesus. Then simply filter what you do, in word or deed, by the name of the Lord Jesus. If you can do it in his name, do it. And give thanks to God the Father as you do it.
If you can’t do that, don’t.
You’ll find that you will please God, and you will stay in his will in the name of the Lord Jesus…
Amen.
Marc Kinna
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