Centered

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,

 continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, 

strengthened in the faith as you were taught,

 and overflowing with thankfulness. 

See to it that no one takes you captive 

through hollow and deceptive philosophy,

 which depends on human tradition 

and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.  

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,

  and you have been given fullness in Christ,

 who is the head over every power and authority.

Col 2:6-10 (NIV)

In the midst of the world filled with its opinions and ideas, we have Christ as our center.  There is nothing in all the world that can compare with Christ himself. Ultimately, if we make him the center of our lives, we will succeed. 

We are bombarded on every side by differences of opinion.  So many are trying to figure things out, one from this perspective and one from another.  Our life histories have conditioned us to see things in a certain way.  Even when we discuss scripture, everyone brings out verses that prove their point.  Each side may seem to have some merit, so our minds become confused.  We must come back to our true foundation - Christ himself.  Ultimately, our faith is in Christ. The Bible, the written word, is there to point us to Christ, the living word. The church exists to help us stay on track by reminding us of Christ our center and to join us with other members of his body

Things that do not point us to Christ are distractions.  It may be interesting to listen to arguments and discussions, but ultimately if they do not end by saying Christ is the center they are off target.  What is the deception? - that something else will fulfill us, another person, a group, an institution, ourselves.  There is no true fulfillment outside of Christ himself.  

“If the Christian is attached to some thing, such as a teaching, a tradition, an institution, a movement, or person, the end will certainly be a limitation of life and eventually confusion and disappointment.         T. Austin-Sparks

He is the truth, he is the way and he is life. (John 14.6). When someone asks, “What is truth?” or “Where is the truth in this?”- Jesus answers, “I am the truth.”  When someone asks, “Which way is the best?  Which way should we go?”- Jesus says, “I am the way.”  When someone asks, “Where is the true life? How do I find fulfillment in this life?” - Jesus says, “I am the life”.  He is the absolute center.  When we focus on him, miraculously, our questionings are not so important any more.  

In our union with Christ we are complete.  Our questions may still exist, but, the good news is we don't have to figure it all out. We may not perfectly understand everything, but if we are walking in him and trusting him, he will protect us and keep us going in the right direction.  We only need to follow the light we have been given.  It’s about walking with him - a living, breathing relationship. No matter where our lives take us, he is our center.  In the simplicity of our childlike relationship and trust in him all is supplied. 

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love,

 so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding,

 in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,  

 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 

I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

Col 2:2-4 (NIV)

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