Heralds Digest

"Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind". (Colossians 2:18 NKJV) Religion is capable of producing attractive substance of friendly morality, healthy lifestyle, and social disciple. While these attributes appear to have a form of godliness, they lack the power of a godly relationship. Conversely, relationship with Christ is powered by grace that cometh from above; and not by the works of the flesh. This implies that the significant substance in life must involve a gift of regeneration, which is activated through faith in the Lord. And grace is that significant substance of support in the race to rest and everlasting reward.

"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." (Colossians 2:8 NKJV) Gaining the collective approval of all within any diverse system, culture and institution is not only herculean, it is a perfect recipe for frustration. Apostle Paul was concerned about the danger of seeking the approval of the philosophers as the regulating standard for the conducts of brethren in Colosse and Laodicea, rather than the keeping of faith with the doctrine of Christ. Anyone who promote any philosophy of life in violation to the commandments and express counsel of God is not a reliable umpire for decency and decorum. A syndrome for divine approval is the best security against man's empty deceit.

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory". (Colossians 1:27 NKJV) Being born into the lineage of the king comes with the right to the throne; and the hope of an earthly glory as future king. The Jew would pride in their privileges as children of Abraham, because of the everlasting covenant God had with their fathers. However, the gentile nations are not without hope; albeit through a hidden mystery of God. There are unfathomable riches and inexplicable glory in the redemption story. That aliens to the commonwealth of Israel could be 'born again' to become heirs to the kingdom of God, and access the hope of everlasting glory, remains a mystery.

"For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Colossians 1:9 NKJV) Untried faith in Jesus Christ is unreliable, or largely, not dependable. While saving faith introduces a soul to the grace that sever the heart from the hold of sins, daily victory over sin and the world requires an abiding faith. This faith believes God and His will enough to doubt all forms of self-will. Since the process of letting down our guards is not easy, Paul had to support the Colossian believers in prayer for a perfect knowledge of God's will. If God allows His children to walk through the fire, He knows nothing else will bring down the expected glory except the heat of the flame. A spirit-filled disciple has no alternative route to the presence of God other than the Master's will.

"Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household". (Philippians 4:21-22 NKJV) Saint's sanctuary appears not defined by a specific building structure located in a defined location. The holy sanctuary represents every heart of man that has been made clean by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. In fact, it is noteworthy that those who live or work in Apostle Paul's prison facility would even qualify to be called saints. Irrespective of privileges that the world gave or took away from them, the invisible sanctuary remains the source of special celebration that cannot be matched by any worldly accomplishment. Access to the presence of the Lord is an entrance to a sanctuary of praise.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". (Philippians 4:13 NKJV) Strength is often misconstrued as the ability to influence the comportment of others, albeit with negligence to the ability to manage self under out-of-control circumstances. Unlike this fake strength, real strength is validated in times of adversity; not during periods of affluence. Needless to say that the source of real strength cannot be based on position, wealth and fame. Sincerely, anyone can command respect when in position of authority; but true honour comes from the ability to manage and accommodate opposition with fairness to our souls. Only strength from the throne of grace can weather the storm of life.

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8 NKJV) Until the God of heaven takes away His children away from this world, children have to learn the best way to accommodate the pollution thereof, without contamination. Where the price for righteousness outshines reward thereof, motivation becomes minimal without sincere meditation. Just like Paul admonished the Philippians to avoid the temptation of getting tricked into unrighteousness, actions and inaction around believers should not be interpreted at their face values. If enhanced spiritual meditation employs efficient sampling mentality for effective system manipulation, there would be a sustainable motivation for the abiding peace of God.