Set Your Hearts On Things Above
“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.
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.”
Today's passage from Colossians contains Paul's exhortation to the believers in Colossae, warning them not to be misled by false teachings. At that time, some emphasized Jewish laws and customs, prioritizing outward religious practices over the essence of faith. Paul clarifies what true faith is and urges believers to experience genuine freedom in Christ.
For the Jews, the law was a central aspect of life—circumcision, dietary laws, and observance of special days were seen as essential to religious devotion. However, these rituals were only symbols pointing to God’s holiness, not the essence of faith itself. In Colossians 2:16-17, Paul declares, “Let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”
The saving grace accomplished through Christ’s cross is the true essence of our faith. We must cling to this foundation by being united with Christ. Religious traditions and practices have their place, but they are mere shadows; Christ alone is the center.
Our church is also undergoing transformation. Familiar traditions should not dictate the essence of our faith. Instead, we must grow as a community of faith with Christ at the center. May we fully anchor our faith in the cross and resurrection of Jesus, being united as His body and living in the fullness of God’s grace.
Prayer: Lord, open our eyes to see Your cross, resurrection, and glory. May the Holy Spirit work in us so that we live in love and unity, obeying You and worshiping as Your church. We trust that You will faithfully guide our church through every season of change. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)