"You are complete in Him, who is Head of all principality and power; in whom you are also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ" Col. 2:10. 11.
Circumcision was a outward sign given to the Jews by God to establish His promise that He would always be with them. The new circumcision we receive in no longer outward it is inward, it is Spiritual; it puts away our body of flesh [the natural Adam man] from God's sight. Fleshly circumcision was a sign of pride for the Jew, a self righteousness of law keeping displayed on their bodies. A modern day equivalent for the Christian might be a Cross tattooed on their arm or even a Cross hung on the wall, a world displayed Christian symbol, a potentially pride producing icon, even Church attendance might qualify. Living ones life in the flesh and not the Spirit.
All outward displays of our faith, including Church buildings, Christian universities and cathedrals etc. are really reminders of the old way. They all eventually become mere wordily organizations. The structures themselves have always certainly failed to carry any unseen Spiritual reality of the called out ones of Jesus Christ: just as our outward body in all its efforts at spirituality fails. Outside adornment will never convert the world. Then what will? Is it even necessary to show ourselves to the world?
When the standard for the Christian life is low, the responsibility for growth is placed upon the believer. His icons and adornments and personal efforts, including those intellectual, all offer a false comfort. The things we surround ourselves with, somehow often become the place where our pride of the Christian life is most displayed. We look at our great Christian library's and say look how I have encompassed myself with godly information. I will grow to be more like Him; I just have to remember the words. Even fellowship, belonging to a group, can give a potentiality for a prideful self certainty.
But when it is God's standard for us which is known, all expectations for growth and maturity may be placed on Him. "For it is God which works in us both to will and do His good pleasure" Phil. 2:13. It is by His work for His glory, the very reason for the production of the likeness of Jesus Christ in us, He has placed the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. To manifest Him. God is reproducing Himself in us as His dwelling place upon the earth. Higher than all the buildings, greater than all the books or conferences and louder than all the bold proclamations we make is the Fathers desire and completed vision for His sons and daughters: Christ-likeness nothing less. How do we look then too God?
Exhortations to pray more, study more and witness more do show a certain dedication to the Lord in outward activity and add a certain shiny veneer. A dedication to Christian principals. But is this a likeness to the Lord? Are is likeness a inward spiritual, quiet restful continuance of waiting, even in pain and suffering, upon the reality of Spirit to manifest itself in our inward man by a renewed faith. Showing patience and long suffering. Informing ourselves by His word while we wait that the world has been crucified to us. Discovering the simple normal inward life of Christ as a identity. Might this be the real constant dynamic of being conformed to the Lord. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus" Eph. 2:10.
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