Who shapes your view of Jesus? Is it the legalism of the church or the mysticism we often see in our culture related to spirituality? Do you feel judged based on certain behaviors you do or don’t do that are determined by those in the church but not necessarily in the Bible? Or do you feel put down by other Christians because they have personal spiritual experiences they claim elevate them to a certain status with God?

The apostle Paul had to deal with the Colossian church over this very issue. There were those who felt that obedience to strict rules  set them apart from others and was the cause of their purity. Others based their Christianity on personal experiences that somehow elevated them to a greater level than others. Both of these positions can be seen in the church today and influence how we see and think about Jesus. Both positions are Jesus + (legalism or special revelations). They intimate that Christ alone is not enough!

Colossians 2:16-19 addresses this problem in the church. “Therefore, let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to festival or a new mom or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.”

Paul is saying do not let anyone but Christ define you. Christ is all we need. Adding to his Headship with human rules and special revelation only leaves one feeling inadequate. There are many “spiritual” voices in the culture, but it is only in Christ that we find our identity –not legalism or subjective personal experiences people may have that elevates them to think that Christ alone is not sufficient.  Only God has the power to define you. Look to His Him to define who you are. Shape your view of Jesus through knowing Him and reading His Word.