Colossians 3:1–4 (ESV)
Put On the New Self
3 If then you have
been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ
who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
I have heard a preacher of a large congregation in Houston misinterpret this passage. His congregation is 40,000+... well...
it is Joel Osteen. He quotes this passage as God wants to give you the far and beyond. He is using it to refer to a better car, a better career, a better house,... but he has seriously misquoted this passage. Why did he change the words,
and leave out “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth”? Boy, what he left all seriously changes what God is saying. He is saying
not to focus on a better car, a better career, a better house,... but set you mind on heaven! Cars, careers, and houses are “things that are on earth.” If you don’t study the Bible, you just may get suckered by Joel Osteen’s
preaching. What I am basing this on is Joel’s book “Your Best Life Now”. As a Christian, boy is that backwards! My best life is yet to come... it will come when I am in heaven. If my best life is now, then that
must mean that I am going to hell. Joel is a smooth speaker with great oratory skills, but his teachings are wrong. Beware of false prophets! Ah... but pastor... why is his church so big and yours so small? I think 2 Timothy 4:3-4
explains this. “(ESV) 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and
wander off into myths.” Be careful! Don’t fall into his trap, but trust the Bible, the Word of God.
I pray: O Lord, help me to continue to study your Word and let your Word
change and mold me, not the teachings of the world. Amen.