The Path to Second
The Path of Subtraction – Part 2
Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:16-23
Key Verse: Colossians 2:20-21
Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”?
Yesterday’s devotional may give someone the idea that Christ followers should not or need not ever sacrifice anything in their walk with God. Of course that is far from the truth. The Apostle Paul said that he “beat his body down daily” in order to conform to the lifestyle that Jesus lived and taught. Fasting was a common practice among Christ followers in the early church. We read in Acts chapter two that the church members sacrificed some of their possessions for the common good of the membership of the church. In Romans 12:1-2 we are instructed to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the Lord.
Some may ask: Which is it? Do we live free of all rules of subtraction or not? Let’s go back to Romans 12:1-2 where it begins with these important words: “In view of God’s mercies…” That is the key: We sacrifice for God in response to His mercies, not to earn them! God gives us salvation by faith, not because we did lots of good deeds, but because God blesses us with such a rich and full salvation, we respond by giving Him our all. We do subtract things out of our lives after we are enjoying His gift of salvation in order to live a life pleasing to Him who loved us so generously! We can’t out give God; His mercies are new every morning. We can only respond with gratitude.
Father, I will live for you today because of all you’ve done for me. Take my life and use it to your glory! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.