Seeds for 3/9/2023 - Colossians 2:18b
Scripture: “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.”
Observation: Today we see more about the people Paul is warning the Colossians about whose character and worship are off base. There’s not a single definition of the word humility that includes the phrase “puffed up” except to provide contrast! So, what of Paul’s description and warning?
“Great detail about what they have seen” - This sounds a lot like someone who feigns humility while saying “look at me! listen to me!” in every other way, doesn’t it?
“Puffed up with idle notions” - I mentioned “puffed up” above. “Idle notions” is vivid as well. I remember learning how to drive and discovering what “idling” meant, which was essentially using fuel while not going anywhere. So, Paul is warning against being taken in by those who entertain ideas and beliefs that use energy occupying our minds but never go anywhere. Yikes! Not an attractive picture.
Our first impulse is probably to think of others who fit this description. That’s not all wrong, since that’s Paul’s exact warning to the Colossian Christians. He wants to keep them (and us) on the right track by having a clear perception of people who behave in such a way and to avoid being enamored with such people, despite their tall tales.
A second step, at least equally important is of course to be careful that we are not “puffed up with idle notions” ourselves. We all want some sort of attention from someone. False humility is an easy trap in which to fall, as is devotion to people, causes, communities, parties, tribes, clubs, etc. that are not God. Even if they are angelic (breaking news: they are probably shy of that level too!), they may be worthy of great appreciation and support, but they are not worthy of worship. That’s for God alone.
Application: Where am I so tempted to seek attention that I struggle with false humility? Do I have any “idle notions” I am entertaining today?
Prayer: Lord, give me clear eyes and a pure heart with which to see the world and myself in it. Guide me into true humility and faithful worship. Amen.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
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Good words. Thank you.