DEVOTION / Hollow philosopies
Today’s Distractions
Imagine a day and time with no network news, no TVs, no video screens, and no social media. No advertisements, no popular stars or celebrities hawking miraculous products. Suddenly, life seems quieter and simpler.
Today our lives are infiltrated with all these distractions. In the time of Paul and Jesus' apostles, they didn't have to deal with all these modern nuisances. But that doesn't mean they didn't have to daily confront beliefs that were in direct contradiction to God and His Word.
Yesterday’s Deceptions
While they might not have faced today's onslaught of media, they knew the same battle. Paul's words in Colossians 2:8 give us an important reference point. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.
We know what it means to be taken captive. We see it around us all the time as we deal with friends, coworkers, acquaintances, or even loved ones who believe they have found a "better way" than God's way.
Paul warns believers against settling for hollow and deceptive philosophies. The church in his day struggled against the cultural norms of Greek and Roman society. It was one heavily influenced by religions that taught a multitude of gods and false theologies that focused on rituals to appease an entire world of "gods." Hollow philosophies directly opposed God and his ways.
Tomorrow’s Truth
Paul shares God's truth in verses 9–10: For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. Here is the Truth: Jesus Christ has atoned for the sinful way of life that rules society around the world. In Romans 12:2, he gives essentially the same warning: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.
Remember in John 10:11 where Jesus calls himself the good shepherd? As our shepherd, he promises to care for his sheep. He leads us. He even laid down his life for us. He warned us about others who are thieves and robbers and would come to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:8, 10).
Billions are trapped in the hollow and deceptive philosophies of the world. 316NOW shares God's Truth as a way to come out from such faulty, damning ideas.
Prayer: Loving Lord, in today's world of hollow messages, help us to be your voice of truth. Send your Spirit to open people’s eyes and hearts. Let the bright beam of your Truth dispel the dark confusion of ungodly philosophies and teachings. Spread the mighty Word!