Contemplative Bible Reading

Colossians 2:20-23 (New Living Translation)

20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.

Severe bodily discipline—such is admirable. Right? Look at the top athletes. This is what they do, and they are superstars.

Self-denial. That is good as well, right?

By themselves, these things may be good and maybe necessary for certain professions. They, however, don’t do anything with regards to my relationship with God. They don’t help me conquer evil desires.

God does that. Think about it a moment. Should I exercise and diet and sleep outside in the cold? Should, as an alternative, pray? How stupid can I be sometime?

Please God, help me with my unbelief.