Daily Devotion: Complete in Christ Week Nine, Day One

Reading: Colossians 2:16–20

Devotion

Paul begins this section with the command: “Therefore, don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival, new moon, or Sabbath day.”

The false teachers were trying to convince the Colossians that following certain religious practices was necessary to be spiritually acceptable. Paul reminds them that these things were only a shadow of what was to come. The reality—the substance—is Christ.

A shadow can tell you that someone is coming, but the shadow isn't the person. The shadow points you toward the person. The same is true of the religious practices Paul mentions. They had a purpose, but they were never meant to replace Christ. Jesus is the fulfillment of what those things pointed toward.

There will always be people, ideas, and teachings that tell us that Jesus is not enough. They may tell us we need something more—another experience, another rule, another practice, or another requirement. But the truth is simple: Christ is enough.

Reflection

• What things do people sometimes add to Christianity that Scripture does not require?

• Have you ever been tempted to measure your spiritual life by rules or practices rather than by your relationship with Christ?

• What does it mean for you personally that Christ is the “substance” and the religious practices were only shadows?

Prayer

Lord, help me know the truth so well that I can recognize the lies that compete with it. Help me never to place religious rules, traditions, or practices above Jesus. Thank You that Christ is the reality to which everything else points. Help me keep my eyes fixed on Him. Amen.