Sunday, September 13, 2009
Delivered from Darkness
(Colossians 1:1-13)
Paul did not have a lot of good to say about this “present evil world” (Gal. 1:4). Far from extolling the purportedly glorious advances of civilization, Paul described the world’s system as the “power of darkness” (13). From such power, men need deliverance, not merely tolerance. Christians, Paul asserts, are no longer under this “power of darkness,” but have been made heirs of “light” (12); and have been “translated” in to Christ’s kingdom (13).
Since Christians are a part of God’s kingdom, we should reflect our new citizenship. Paul tells us that our “conversation (manner of life) is in heaven,” (Phil. 3:20); and that our “walk” on this earth should reflect that perspective (10). Here, again, note the direct correspondence between our position as believers and our daily “walk.” Christianity should impact the way a professed believer conducts his daily life. Professions without positive change are negligible at best.
There’s a lot of talk about spirituality these days. And, rightly understood, spirituality is a good thing. Paul prayed for the Christians of Colossae to be filled with “spiritual understanding” (9). Spiritual maturity, in turn, would result in a “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing” (10). In other words, the spiritual believer is the one who pleases the Lord not only in his profession, but also in his lifestyle. Spirituality results in a lifestyle disciplined to godliness and submissive to the Holy Spirit of God. The right kind of spirituality, then, may be gauged by a believer’s conduct. Let’s be sure our spirituality measures up to the standard!
