Colossians 2:20-23 - The Hypocritical Banana

There is a certain type of spirituality that defines itself by rules. I.e, "Do's and Dont's." 

It seems like every denomination and church has them. The lists may be longer or shorter. There may be more things to avoid than things to embrace. Or just the opposite: there may be  more things that one must accomplish on a regular schedule than things to shun.

The lists will differ in details from one group to the next. But all these lists have this in common: they are virtually following the self-righteousness of the Pharisees that Jesus condemned (Matthew 23:23).

Paul assessed such lists of rules:
"20 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23 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, New International Version, 1984)

In other words, following rules and protocols might seem like a short cut--at least a guaranteed path--to spiritual maturity. Instead of genuine maturity, there is just an "appearance of wisdom."

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Bananas. They're cheaper than most other fruit, and available year-round. One time I bought a perfect  banana, in a bin that produce managers would label, "Golden ripe bananas"

I peeled the skin back and...

CRUNCH!

It was as crisp as a fresh apple, but without any flavor. Whoever harvested those bananas hoped that they would ripen during shipment to market.

Though the banana looked mature, the "golden ripe" appearance was a sham.

By contrast, the Apostle Paul wrote, "We proclaim [Christ] by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ." (Colossians 1:28, NET Bible)

Father in heaven, makes us more than appear spiritually mature, we want to be mature. When people take a closer look and get to know us better, may they find the character of Christ and become hungry for Him. In Jesus name, Amen.

PS - The photo is not "the crunchy banana." Instead, it was from November, 2019, monkeying around enroute to the airport to pick up my mother-in-law for Thanksgiving. The less-than-ripe "golden banana" would have looked just as good in a photo, but you'd still have to bite into it yourself to appreciate the crunch.