Unfortunately for this young “christian”, there’s a lot wrong with his “religion”! It’s embarrassing (especially in front of Muslims) to know, for example, about our religion’s historical past in the interim years since Paul wrote this letter to Believers living in the Roman city of Colossi. It’s a past that no Christian on the planet can deny. It’s embarrassing to see the latest escapades in the tabloids of the so-called Christian-West, or to hear about another “fallen church leader”. It’s terrible to hear how Biblical teachings about God’s blessings, are taken out of context to suck in gullible poor people, in places like Africa – people who are hoping in something that the Bible didn’t actually promise! National Laws that were once founded on our Maker’s Handbook for Life, have now been eroded and the list for what’s wrong with this young man’s “religion” can go on.
What’s interesting, is that I don’t have to go out there provoking discussions. I just have to work on what I’ll say if asked. How I respond to another intelligent image-bearer (regardless of Faith background) will depend heavily on how much time I give to reading the Creator God’s words – such that I’ll respond with the most appropriate answers.
Through my words and conduct, I want my responses to encourage people’s hearts. [v8] This has been a style used by the Creator God throughout HIStory in His epic storyline.[c] And so, I want it said of me that I’m a faithful and beloved “brother” – one who is counted among God’s people [v9], a fellow worker for the Kingdom of God and proven encouragement. [v11] Always labouring earnestly for you in my prayers, I want to stand perfect and fully assured in all that’s in the Will of God.