If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  —Colossians 3:1a-2, ESV

Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. —Colossians 2:16-17, ESV

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.  —Colossians 2:6-7, ESV

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. - Colossians 1:15-16, NASB95

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,  —Colossians 1:13, ESV

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. - Colossians 1:1-2

I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 

—Matthew 16:18, ESV

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 

—Luke 15:22-24, NIV

If we live with the underlying assumption that our responsibility is to demonstrate change and close the gap through human effort, we can begin to relate to God as if the hope of the gospel is self-remedy, rather than God-redemption!

Many of us spend much spiritual energy trying to do demonstrate something to God rather than open our souls to an encounter where we can become someone in God.

But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” - Matthew 14:26-27