Read Colossians 2:16–23
Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship
of angels disqualify you for the prize.
Colossians 2:18
The word translated “disqualify” means “to declare unworthy of a
prize.” It is an athletic term: The umpire disqualifies contestants who
do not obey the rules. The contestants do not cease to be citizens of
the land, but they forfeit the honor of winning a prize. Christians
who fail to obey God’s directions do not lose their salvation. But they
do lose the approval of the Lord and the rewards He has promised to
those who are faithful (1 Cor. 3:8).
It is a gracious act of God that He has promised rewards to those
who serve Him. We ought to be so grateful that He has saved us
from judgment that we would serve Him whether or not we received
a reward. But just as there are degrees of punishment in hell (Matt.
23:15), so there will be degrees of glory in heaven—even though all
believers will be like Christ in their glorified bodies (1 John 3:2).
The old Puritan Thomas Watson said it perfectly: “Though every
vessel of mercy shall be full [in heaven], yet one may hold more than
another.”
Something to Ponder
Which one of God’s directions do you need to pay more attention to?