The Look of the Devout

Reflections for this date are based on the following scripture passages:
Colossians 1	Colossians 2	Colossians 3	Colossians 4	Numbers 13	Numbers 14	Psalms 56

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul described for them what it looks like to be a follower of Christ and what it does not look like.

In chapter 2 of his letter, he told them what it does not look like, and that is it does not look like a set of rules, exotic philosophies, or keeping of traditions. He told them not to be taken captive through philosophy and empty deceit, nor to be caught up in such practices as circumcision. Neither does it have to do with "food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a sabbath day." (Colossians 2:16) Instead, they were to walk in Christ just as they received Christ, and that was by faith.

Paul then described in chapter 3 what it looks like when we walk in Christ by faith. We put off the old man and no longer lie to one another. Neither are there differences between "Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all." Furthermore, we are accepting of one another and forgiving of one another, relating to each other in love. In all our relationships we will act toward the other as if it were the Lord to whom we are doing it. This is true between husband and wife, children and parents, parents and children, and employees and bosses.

Our love for the Lord and devotion to Him is evident, not through what we know and the rules we keep, but through our demeanor and how we relate to others.