16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 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, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. 20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

The Ted Talks and the Malcolm Gladwells of the world are making inroads into what was once biblical territory – exposing the problems of human nature and doling out wisdom to “educate” ourselves toward a better “self”.  Paul comes against the notion that “special” spiritual insight or knowledge can bring enlightenment: “they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”  The trouble is that you can’t troubleshoot sin and do a DIY project.  It didn’t work for the Gnostics and it won’t work for all the people who are buying self-help spiritual books in droves.  Whatever the answer you come with as the solution to your problem…is your “god.”

There was a time when I too thought that I was missing critical insights or important pieces of truth because of my continuing struggle with sin and broken relationships.  I read many Christian psychology/Christian “specialty” books and every time I read a new one I expected greater victory and maturity…it didn’t work that way.  I mainly viewed the Gospel as the truth that brought me salvation but I thought being a mature Christian was about knowing more and doing more – I was wrong.  When knowledge and ministry didn’t produce the results that I thought it should, I felt defeated and condemned.  It was only when God taught me to stay near the cross and press in to understand the depth of the Gospel, did love, strength and peace flow into my life and my relationships.  The victorious life came to us when we united with Christ in His death. It is only when we see that all the answers to our problems and sufferings point to Christ as being all sufficient – this is when we truly find peace…we find God.  Is the Gospel your real hope? If not, it’s time to be real – it’s a matter of life and death.