Friday; July 7

What is at the heart of our religion? As you read this, you might be shaking your head at the simplicity of the question; however, I ask that you give me a little latitude here. While the obvious answer is that Christ is King, sometimes I wonder if that is also the practical answer. Is our religion based on God or are their other things that direct our spiritual journey? Have we ever thought about how important family traditions, politics, money, community prominence, social issues and other driving forces are to us? Have other causes superseded the focal point of our spiritual nature? The problem with these things leading the way in our lives is that they might lead us the wrong way. Without the proper focus, it is easy to get lost.

When Paul wrote to the early churches, he continually kept bringing them back to the heart of Christianity – Jesus the Christ. In fact, he seemed to sum it all up in his early instruction to the church in Colossae when he reminded them of the preeminence of Jesus by saying, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:15-17). Let’s keep first things first. When we do, we’ll never be left out.

Think About It!

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