Deeper Life #264

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances?

—Colossians 2:20

EVERYONE ATTEMPTS TO COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY with God. This is why mysticism is a natural ingredient in everybody’s makeup, whether he calls himself “atheist,” “agnostic,” or “Christian.”

Jesus Christ reveals that we come into communion with God only through Him. If we refuse Him, we probably will be deluded by supernatural forces stronger than we are. We are deluded into thinking that we can have communion with God through self-denial or, as the apostle Paul puts it, “will worship and . . . neglecting of the body.” People can be so wonderfully devout in their mistaken ways of dealing with God!

But when Jesus Christ brings us into communion with God, He does not give us a set of rules and prohibitions. He does not call us to make ourselves nothing. Rather, He transforms our bodies, our relationships, our possessions, and every aspect of our lives as He reconciles us to God.

Prayer Thought: I praise Your name, O Jesus, for redeeming me from a life of confusion.

SUGGESTED READING: Colossians 2:20–23