In 2007 Coca-Cola acquired a company called Glacéau and with it their product Vitaminwater. At the onset, Vitaminwater exploded, becoming one of the most popular “healthy alternative” drink options available. Why drink soda when you can drink something with vitamins in it? For almost all consumers, the word vitamin was synonymous with healthy decisions. The vibe around Vitaminwater quickly changed when it was shown that the popular drink contained 23 grams of sugar. Ironically, this is the same amount of sugar as a 12 oz can of Coke or even a Snickers bar. Coca-Cola was banned from using the word “nutritious” on the label and settled a large, class-action lawsuit in 2016. Paul knew the Colossians were hearing false teachings and proceeded to warn them so their hearing might not lead to deception and captivity. He needed to undo false claims to enable the church to discern what was true from what was almost true. 

Writing to believers who had been firmly rooted and built up in Christ, established in the faith, and correctly instructed, Paul encourages the congregation to simply walk in the Jesus they have received. He is the focal point of the gospel, not the empty traditions of man (v.8). The one in whom all the fullness of God dwells, who is head over all rule and authority (vv.9-10), who can cut away the sinful nature of your flesh and raise you to walk in newness of life (vv.11-12). Finally, He is the one who has canceled out your record of charges and nailed them to the cross.

Jesus is the focal point, not the spiritual practices to follow. The oversimplified basis of the claim was “doing spiritual things makes you a better Christian.” Keep dietary laws and old covenant customs, or be condemned. Instead, we must believe that trusting in Christ alone changes us and enables us to desire to do spiritual things. Not practicing these things out of duty but from love, gratitude, and worship for your Lord. Spiritual activity never guarantees spiritual intimacy; it should flow from it. The modern Christian can fill his day with religious things and be far from God. Any such lifestyle, according to Paul, only has the appearance of wisdom.

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