Deceptive Philosophy

Today’s Bible Reading:  1 Kings 17-19; Colossians 2

Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:

Topic: Truth

SCRIPTURE:  Colossians 2:6-8

⁶ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. ⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Col 2:6-8 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

The Apostle Paul admonishes Christians to be steadfast in adhering to their faith in Jesus Christ. It is in knowing and continually living in Christ Jesus as Lord that brings believers to be rooted, built up, strengthened, and thankful. Paul then uses very direct language of warning against the philosophy of false teachers. He imperatively states, “See to it!” (“beware”) that you are not deceived and trapped into following a worldly philosophy that has no real substance. Then he emphasizes the point concluding verse 8 with the antithesis of what has directly preceded: “rather than on Christ.”    

APPLICATION:

Our world today is abounding in worldly philosophies that are cunningly deceptive. They may not even be recognized by most as “philosophies.” By co-opting fine sounding words and applying new meanings to them, people willingly follow en-masse into the hollow trap. Good words like, progressive, conservative, liberal, tolerance, choice, freedom, rights, have their definitions altered or amended to entirely different interpretations according to these smoothly championed philosophies. We end up with people using the same words but meaning entirely different things. Many well-meaning Christians slip right into the same trap without even realizing it. Paul says, “Beware! Don’t follow any other philosophy other than the true Gospel of Christ!”    

PRAYER:

God, have mercy on our feeble minds. Shine Your Light upon the world and expose the lies and false teachings. By Your Holy Spirit bring clarity to human minds. By Your power heal confused and clouded minds. By Your love draw people to truth—real truth—Your truth—saving, life giving truth.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.  -AP