Colossians 2:20-23 
If you died with Christ to the elements of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations: “Don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch”? All these regulations refer to what is destined to perish by being used up; they are human commands and doctrines. Although these have a reputation for wisdom by promoting self-made religion, false humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence. (CSB)

So, then, if with Christ you’ve put all that puffed-up and childish religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it? “Don’t touch this! Don’t taste that! Don’t go near this!” Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention? Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and austere. But they’re just another way of showing off, making yourselves look important. (MSG)

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I read broadly about productivity. YouTube videos often provide helpful guidance, particularly when I am learning how to maximize a particular app. However, the way internet algorithms work places my attention adjacent to some clear quackery. 

There is always someone who wants to push things to the extreme. These individuals are frequently quite loud, completely conspiratorial, overly attention-seeking, or just plain odd. If you dare click on one of these nut jobs, you will get an endless supply of inedible nuts. You have been warned.

According to these verses from Colossians 2, this is not a new phenomenon. There is always someone around who has a unifying principle that he or she wants to push onto everyone else. They make their stuff sound dramatic and new. It ends up being the same old foolishness dressed up in new packaging. 

Some lies keep making the rounds generation after generation and from age to age. 

Read Colossians 1 and 2 again and notice how the Apostle Paul tells us that everything we really want and truly need is found in Jesus. Anything beyond the One through whom all things were created is at best a half truth. Start with Jesus. Continue with Jesus. Finish with Jesus. End up right where you need to be and want to be now and forever. 

Here’s a good way to start the workweek: More Jesus, please. More Way, Truth, and Life. More Good Shepherd. More Living Water. More Bead of Life. And, please, much less yelling.

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I will seek more of Jesus.

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Our Father, fill my life with your truth and wisdom. Teach me, train me, fill me, use me. Deliver me from pretend sages and imitation intelligence. Amen.