“Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence” (Colossians 2:20-23)

In my early twenties I was rather materialistic; I worked and I shopped. It was fun at first, however the more I shopped the more my desire for things grew. After a couple of years I accumulated a lot of stuff as well as debt. 

In the midst of this, I remember reading this verse, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you”” (Hebrews 13:5). That verse hit me and I knew changed was needed. So what I did was write this on a piece of paper and put it into my wallet so when I was shopping I would have to confront this idea each time I wanted to purchase something. 

“Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person also goes into great detail about what he has seen; and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow” (Colossians 2:18-19)

Several years ago I hosted an early morning Bible study at my office. I invited all of my co-workers and throughout the lifecycle of this group, as people were hired, the groups dynamics changed. I remember one morning in particular the newest member kept introducing Buddhist principles to the discussion. Of course I was confused because I had assumed she was a Christian; rather she was spiritual and interested in taking ideas, beliefs and practices from different sources for her custom-make belief system. Needless to say, the group that had been meeting for years didn’t survive. 

Spirituality is very popular; what is not popular is Jesus. What I mean is that teachings of Jesus are en vogue. Or saying He’s a good teacher, a predominant historical figure, a good man are all acceptable. But drawing a line in the sand and declaring that He is Lord, the only way to be saved, and the only way to God is very, very unpopular.