"Big Rocks"

Colossians 1:1-14

Introduction. (Call forward assistant to help put materials in container.) We’re going to fill this container with rocks. (Proceed to fill tupperware container with 7 large rocks.) Can anything else be fit into it? (Proceed to fill container with gravel.) How about now? (Proceed to fill container with sand.) So, I am trying to demonstrate what with this experiment? (Allow people to respond.) Someone once thought it was to demonstrate that no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard, you can always fit some more things into it!") I want to get this point acrossÑthat the container represents our life, and if we don’t get the big rocks, or the most important things in, first, then we might never fit them in at all. If the sand and gravel go in first, only two or three of the big rocks could ever fit in. And I would daresay that for many of us, the gravel and sand, the less important things and distractions, do take up an awful lot of space in our lives, maybe even crowding out all of the big rocks. (adapted from a story found at The Storybin, www.ozsermonillustrations.com)

Move 1. Life is rather over-flowing at times, isn’t it?

Life today is full of sand and gravel moments. Life is full of distractions and details that, like the sand, are small, but when added together begin to fill a day, a week, a month, years, crowding out the more important rocks. Time slips by as television substitutes for talking with loved ones, surfing the net takes precedence over self-evaluation or service to others, primping and polishing our image preempts prayer.

Life is too complicated when the number of pages of the U.S.

Constitution, the operating manual for a nation of almost 300 million people, is 21, while the number of pages of the operating manual of a Toyota Camry, which seats 5, is 228. (Hope Health Letter, October 1995, quoted in Preaching Resources, Spring 1996, p. 73)

Life in 21^st century America is complex. It tempts us with many toys like cell phones and computers, supposed to make life easier, but often making things more complicated than ever. It offers many possibilities, many choices, without much guidance. It tells us that we can do it all, that we can fit more and more into our schedule, as long as we have the right organizer.

Yes, life is often busy and complicated. Things don’t seem simple.

Move 2. Moreover, people are not usually inclined to let their faith be

simple. People often find that faith, the act of being assured of and believing in that which is unseen, is not enough. For many people, basic faith needs supplements, ad-ons if you will, if that faith is to be valid or meaningful. Indeed, the Christians of Colossae, the people to whom Paul’s letter from today is sent, find this to be true in their lives, just as people do today.

The Christian Colossians, residents of a Greek city full of activity, apparently are being influenced by various philosophies, which they are adding onto or substituting for their Christian faith. They are told by Paul later in his letter, in chapter 2, "See to it that no one takes you captive

through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition" (verse 8). They, like many of us, must have enjoyed toying with different ideas and thoughts related to the spiritual realm; must have enjoyed using such philosophies to make their faith more intricate than it is.

In addition to philosophies impacting their faith, the Christians of Colossae seem to need rules. They are told by Paul, again in chapter 2, "do not let anyone condemn you in matters of food and drink or of observing festivals, new moons, or Sabbaths" (verse 16). They are told that these are human rules that have nothing to do with basic Christian faith. The

Colossians probably feel attracted to such rules because though they are

restrictive, they can make faith much easierÑdo this, don’t do that, and you will be spiritual. Many people today are also attracted to faiths that have many rules and regulations governing the spiritual life.

In addition to philosophies, and rules, the Colossians apparently are

interested in mystical experiences, such as visions and worship of angels. They are told by Paul in chapter 2, "Do not let anyone disqualify you, insisting on…worship of angels (and) dwelling on visions" (verse 18). Like people today, they probably desire confirmation of their faith, desire a direct experience to confirm the reality of God. Maybe they want an emotional feeling, a sign, something supernatural to happen that might substantiate their faith.

People of Paul’s day, and people of today, mostly find that simple faith just doesn’t cut it. Where do we here today find ourselves? Personally, I find that philosophical and intellectual inquiries stimulate me. Some of us find rules and regulations to be necessary. Others of us probably hope for a mystical experience to make our faith real. Many people see one or more of these ad-ons as critical pieces of their faith.

Move 3. And yet Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, spelled out a simple

faith.

Paul gave the Christians of Colossae some guidance on the basics of faith. He most likely knew the lure of various philosophies, of slavery to rules and regulations, of desire for mystical experience. But he hoped that the basics he laid out, unlike the ad-ons, would give them the roots they needed to grow in faith.

Paul told them this: know that through God the Father, you are loved, and are called to live eternally in heaven. Know that through Christ, you are forgiven, not just a little or occasionally, but fully forgiven. Know that through the Spirit, you are enabled to do good works and, not to have all knowledge of God, but to grow in your knowledge. And know that prayer and thanksgiving to God are important.