Colossians 2:8 – “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
Since the mid 1960’s America has continually fallen farther away from the title of a “Christian Nation.” Over nearly 6 decades America has been spoiled by the philosophy of men rather than upholding the principles of God. Paul warns the church to stay on alert for those that would teach indoctrinate saints with something other than Christ. But what exactly is he cautioning against?
Philosophy is an explanation for the reason of things; vain deceit is ensnaring someone with ideas of no value; the tradition of men are the opinions and practices handed down through generations on how to live; and, the rudiments of this world are the things that must first be learnt in order to continue in the world. So in short, Paul is warning of the world’s explanation of why things are the way that they are, how we can thrive in that reality and the basic tenants by which you can exist in this world.
Once, Americans were taught rudiments of the Bible, and the tradition of righteous men and women that knew how to follow God. But nearly an entire generation has now been raised in a world that pushes its philosophy as the proper way to live. This is why we ought to daily thank God for sending the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth. However, it is very easy to reject the leading of God and forsake the way which Jesus left for us to walk.
Some telltale signs of the world’s philosophy, traditions and rudiments should always be a red flag that alerts us to the deceit that is meant to ensnare us. First, the idea that we should make decisions based on our feelings. Regardless of how the flesh feels, there are doctrines and teachings that I must follow. But anyone who tries to influence your choices based on the premise that your feel it is right, is attempting to spoil you. God does not lead us by the feeling of being in His will. See Romans 12:2 (And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.)
Next, never be lead to change your beliefs based off of how others receive your position. The world has consistently influenced Christians by leading them to change based on the claim that their views oppress, offend, or alienate those in the world. Why do you think so many have abandoned the KJV, have included rock bands in service, and have revised their by-laws to offer membership to nearly anyone? The Word is a sharp two edged sword, it is meant to sunder the misconceptions of the world and reveal the need in each person’s life for Jesus Christ. Certainly we should not endeavor to blatantly offend, but if what the Word says makes them feel uncomfortable it is not a reason to lessen our standards. If sinners can feel comfortable around the things of God, it’s because the Christians have let the world spoil their lives.
Finally, should anyone try to sway you by claiming that change is a good thing, mark them as a deceiver. Change for change’s sake in a Christian’s life is guaranteed defilement before God. The world will call you closed minded, archaic, set in your ways, stubborn and any number of other terms in an attempt to spoil your life. Truly righteous children of God do not hold to tradition or custom in the church. Instead we follow the instructions of a thrice Holy God and uphold His standards in place of our own fleshly intuition. The world long ago adopted the mindset of “the newest thing must be the best.” They have become frogs hopping from lily pad to lily pad in hopes that the next innovation will be their sure foundation. I have a foundation that is steadfast and sure, His name is Jesus. But the Jews of Jesus’ day rejected Him as their foundation, and the world will continually search for anything other than God to support them. Don’t be fooled into believing that the world knows how to do anything with surety. (If you want examples, look at Medicare, Social Security, Education, Entitlements, Marijuana Laws, the National Debt …. I could go on for hours.)
We should never pattern our life after anything without first comparing it to what the Word of God says. We should never even entertain an action that is contradictory to the teaching of the Bible. Yet, so many fall away from the old paths because they ended their vigilant watch for deceivers and were led away with the enticing words of man’s “wisdom.”
Your fellowservant in Christ,
Bro. Jordan Foster
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