Unrivalled: Christ the Ultimate InfluencerShembull

Day 6: Centered on Christ’s Gospel

C.S. Lewis once said, “There are a dozen views about everything until you know the answer. Then there's never more than one.”

In a society that embraces a diversity of worldviews and philosophies, we may often be tempted to believe in anything that sounds convincing or convenient, even if it contradicts the word of God. These could be religious or cultural traditions practiced by our loved ones, modern viewpoints offered by activists, or secular wisdom propounded by people in authority.

The Colossians faced similar problems in their church as well. The false teachings (deceitful philosophies and traditions) preached by the false teachers appeared authoritative. These often involved self-denial, legalism, visions, and other practices that only looked good to observers but neither gave true hope nor led to true spiritual growth.

Paul urged the Colossians to stay rooted and built up in Christ (v6) and not to be taken captive by these false teachings (v8). Believers who are in Christ have received the most precious gift of forgiveness for our sins and are now made alive in Christ. We no longer need to embellish our faith with man-made traditions or practices to reinforce our standing before God. Christ’s ultimate triumph on the Cross also points us to the sufficiency of Christ’s work reconciling us to God and His victory over evil.

Have you understood the fullness and the severity of what Christ has done for us on the cross that compels us to reject all false philosophies? Or have you allowed yourself to adopt practices or worldly wisdom that appeal to your preferences yet contradict God's word? For those who disciple others, do you consciously ensure that what you teach indeed comes from the very word of God itself without mixing in secular wisdom that may not find its basis in Christ?

Failing to fully grasp the gospel of what Christ’s death and resurrection mean to us would leave us constantly restless and dissatisfied with life. This makes us easily susceptible to the empty promises or misleading ideas the world may throw at us. For our hearts to be revived, let us contemplate what it truly means to center our lives on and in Christ and make the necessary adjustments in our lives to be rooted and built up in Christ alone.

Prayer Points

• Let us pray for a fresh appreciation of Christ’s ultimate triumph on the Cross of Calvary. May we grow in our appreciation of the sufficiency of Christ’s work in reconciling us to God and in overcoming the evil one!
• As we overflow with thanksgiving, let us also pray that we will stay rooted in Christ and continue to be built up in Him. Let us ask the Lord to cause us to grow in our maturity in Him and shine brighter for Jesus wherever He has planted us in.