Be discerning in what you soak up
Sunday we looked at Colossians 2:8, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Yet this is what happens over and over as we, our children, grandchildren and others are constantly bombarded by the cheap, empty philosophy of the world as man seeks his wisdom by looking within instead of up to His Creator (Romans 1:18-23). I quoted Francis Schaeffer, “man cannot begin with himself and arrive at ultimate reality”. The created cannot fathom the mind nor the purpose of the One that has created them. Yet the traditions of men want to leave God out of the equation and then exclaim, “See, there is no god when we find the answers.”
In order to prepare ourselves and those we love so that we are ready to beware, to be on guard, to protect ourselves, we must anchor ourselves in the growing knowledge and understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:9-23 emphasizes the divinity, the majesty, the work and the love of Christ, which has been poured out upon those who by faith trust Him and follow Him.
I remember a professor in college who would teach students that our minds should be like sponges, eager to soak up the knowledge we were presented in classes. I was fortunate to have a pastor who, prior to my heading to college, spoke with me about this idea of the mind being a sponge. It is true that diligent students should want to soak up the knowledge and lessons from their professors, yet the diligent and wise student will be discerning in what he soaks up. Not everything offered is profitable for Christ-following or God-glorifying. The student or person must be grounded in the realities of the truths of Scripture about the Savior and Lord so that whatever contradicts the truth revealed in Scripture, he doesn’t soak up those lessons, no matter how learned or credentialed a professor may be. It is the same for reading posts on Facebook, watching videos on YouTube, books given to you to read, news programs you consume. Does the material, the personality, the voice and actions portray Christ and encourage you in following Him more closely?
I imagine all of us have those in our lives, family and friends, that we are praying and wanting to come to Christ as their Savior. I challenge you to look at what you “like,” post or repost to see if it exhibits Christ and His character so that those you want to see saved are encouraged to seek Christ, not just your particular political persuasion. I see my call from God to build the Kingdom of God, not of a particular persuasion. My identity is as a follower of Christ. Everything else falls into line behind, far behind this identity in Christ.
When I was unsure, and even today the same holds true, I would reach out to someone I trust and respect to help me understand and work through issues and situations as they intersect with Scripture in order to uphold Christ as Lord. Back to the sponge, we are all sponges and soak up whatever we spend time around. Spend time with Christ, spend time seeking to know and grow in Christ, spend time seeking to glorify Christ and you will find your mind ready to ring alarm bells when something comes that wants to lift man and his wisdom above the Lord of glory.
Pressing on…
Ron Tipton, Senior Pastor
