THE OBJECT OF OUR FAITH

Colossians 2:16-23

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. 

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. 

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It’s hard to tell exactly what was going on in Colossae to which Paul wrote. But one thing I think we can say is that people weren’t looking high enough. 

What I mean is that they were attracted to good things, things we would consider very spiritual: spiritual discipline (asceticism), mysticism, religious regulations, festival days (including Sabbath practices and other Jewish festivals), even encounters with angels. Furthermore, the Colossians seem to be particular about how each of these might be pursued.

Now, you might think those are all quite lofty aspirations, things very spiritual people do. But Paul calls this all “unspiritual.” He makes it clear that they are getting caught up in lesser realities compared with Christ. Ironically, Paul calls these “spiritual forces of this world.” What seems spiritual to the Colossians really isn’t true Christian spirituality (which is all about the Spirit). The point is, they are looking to the shadows instead of the substance, created realities instead of the Creator.

In today’s world, Christianity has been regaining some traction in various corners. But as people come in, they tend to get attached to lesser, peripheral, and secondary matters. These could be any of the many perceived benefits or attractions of Christianity: moral high ground, political benefits, self-improvement, a disciplined life, and even financial wisdom. The studies are in. Religiosity helps human flourishing and overall health. And as the current pitch goes, Christianity is the best option in the religious marketplace. But as Christians, we should be skeptical of the benefits of vague religiosity.

As people are drawn toward Christianity by these treasures, their faith tends to take on a legalistic tone that resonates with the rules Paul addresses in verse 21: do this, don’t do this. The examples are endless online. Some prohibit alcohol. Some require certain politics. It’s now commonplace to evaluate fellow Christians not by their doctrine, but by their tastes, lifestyle, and opinions. 

Paul’s point is: don’t miss the forest for the trees. When we confuse a reason we’re a Christian with the reason we’re Christian, we miss the point. Again, in other words, don’t confuse the perks for the person (of Christ). In Paul’s mind, when this happens, we are at the whim of spiritual forces of the world (disguised as Christian spirituality), passions—the love of worldly wealth, the desire to fix our lives, and coveting our own success. I mean, why have true communion with the God of the universe when you got perks? 

When we die to the spiritual forces of this world, we stop being puppets to our own desires. No matter how lofty they seem, if the substance of our religiosity is not the Triune God of love, Father, Son, and Spirit—it is not Christianity. 

Far from creating an even stricter Christianity, Paul’s point is: Hey, don’t get distracted by the shadows. Look at the real thing. For example, Sabbath is a great practice. I can’t recommend it enough for your spiritual health. I even hear it has immense benefits for productivity. However, it is not the thing binding you to Jesus. If my Sabbath only functions as an end in itself, a little break from work, it’s not doing its job. I need to look higher. The rest I seek and find should point me to my rest in Jesus.

Paul continues. When Christ died for us, we died to this worldly way of thinking; we’ve been raised with Christ. 

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. —Colossians 3:1–3.

This is the difference between Christianity for my own sake and for Christ’s sake. That’s when prayer becomes more than a tool, preaching becomes more than a lecture, and fellowship becomes more than a social hour. Each becomes a means by which the grace of Jesus meets us here and now. The goal of Christian spirituality is not being ‘spiritual.’ It’s about being connected to the Triune God of grace through our faith in Jesus.

As we mature, there are many things we have to ignore in relation to the thing itself. Even in the face of miraculous happenings and angelic appearances. You know what the Church Fathers have been known to say? Ignore them. They aren’t the thing itself. Miracles, enthralling worship, compelling preaching, and even Scripture itself—if we don’t allow them to point us toward Christ, they lose their purpose. We use them in vain. No amount of so-called biblical knowledge or spiritual wisdom is beneficial if it does not cause our minds to arise to Christ.

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 3:17.

And good news: God is a gracious God. Even with our misguided motives, he is the true substance of our faith. Our true selves are hidden with Christ—the one whom all good things find their meaning in—the object of our faith.

Father, thank you for creating us in your image. In the world you created, we can discern your glory. It shines through all that’s fair. Keep our attention fixed on you so that we would not create mental idols of you. Instead, direct us to your Son, the image of your invisible nature. 

Lord Jesus, object of our faith, cause our faith to rise to you unhindered by lesser things. We want to know you more. So set our minds where you reign, where we are hidden at your side.

Spirit, sanctify our walk. May everything we do, whether in word or deed, be used to honor you. Take these humble offerings of work and prayer. Use them for your Kingdom. And deliver us from the evil one.

Amen.