Re:Verse passage – Colossians 2:16-23 (day three)
“No one is to act as your judge.”
Paul knows what he’s taking about. He left Pharisaism and entered a religious tradition—Christianity—already beleaguered by the most powerful rules humanity has ever known: unwritten rules. And this was a man who was shaping Christianity in its earliest expression. Even he found himself on the receiving end of condemnation by fellow believers. Paul encountered judgmental voices, and so will you. One of the most inviting ways to respond is to adopt the motto “Judge first lest ye be judged.” Is anybody listening to Paul’s words?
“…a religious tradition—Christianity—already beleaguered by the most powerful rules humanity has ever known: unwritten rules.” You are so right! Imitating Christ and extrapolating all His lessons is waaaay harder than checking rules off a list. Thanks for your sharp insight, Bryan.