Focus on faith in Christ alone

 8 Nov 25

Today's devotional: taken from YouVersion, Life Application Study Bible Devotion


Focus on faith in Christ alone

Paul told the Colossian Christians not to let others criticize their diet or their religious ceremonies. Instead of outward observance, believers should focus on faith in Christ alone. Our worship, traditions, and ceremonies can help bring us close to God, but we should never criticize fellow Christians whose traditions and ceremonies differ from ours. More important than how we worship is that we worship Christ. Don't let anyone judge you. You are responsible to Christ.


“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. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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Reflections

Have you felt that at times, people look at you one kind just because you are Christian? Do you remember Ash Wednesday, where we are being marked with crosses on our foreheads from the ashes from the palm crosses. Or have you felt being judged by a fellow brother or sister? I think we all have, one way or another felt this way. 


Well, we all know it is never right to criticise anyone, let alone be for the reason of religion. We, as the children of God, are meant to be here on earth, to help bring peace, love, reconciliation. We are not here to cause division or cause people to hate one another. Our focus has to be on Christ Jesus. The one true God that we worship. And sometimes, because of worship and our love of Christ, we may do things a little differently from others but don’t let that stop you from doing anything that you need to do to worship God.


I think this is also a reminder for us to also be sensitive to different practices from others who are also Christians and to respect what they do. We all serve one Lord and Father so nothing should stop us or them from doing the things they want to do to worship the same God. If there is really anything of concern, I think we too ought to seek the Lord and ask Him for wisdom.

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