Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8 WEB
Whether it is secular or based on a particular theology, our bias can lead us into false conclusions. For this reason, it is important to seek the truth, understanding that the tradition of men may lead us astray. Worldly wisdom appeals to our senses but is inferior to the wisdom of God. As we read in Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. WEB”
As Christians, we have an enemy that tries to deceive us. Speaking to those deceived by Satan in John 8:44 Jesus said, “You are of your father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn’t stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. WEB”
Knowledge of the Truth
If we are religious, the devil will try to lead us away from God with false doctrine. For the secular minded, he may try and convince them that he does not exist. One of the tricks our enemy uses is to keep us self-satisfied with continual learning that is of the tradition of men and not in line with the teaching of God. As we read in 2 Timothy 3:7, it is possible that we are “always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. WEB”
The Lord wants us to be reasonable and critical minded. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. KJV ” This statement encourages reason in the context of an understanding of our sinful nature and God’s willingness to forgive our sins.
Obedient to Christ
Jesus says in John 10:10, “The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. WEB” In response to our enemy’s attempt to destroy our faith, Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:5, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. NIV”
It is important that we guard ourselves against the schemes of the world and the foolishness of enemies of God. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:19, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He has taken the wise in their craftiness.’ WEB”
We read in Isaiah 55:8-9, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. KJV” God’s intelligence far surpasses even the most brilliant of men. For this reason, Paul instructs the faithful to focus on the love of Christ and beware of the vain deceit present in the tradition of men.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy scriptures. Thank you for giving us a better way to live. Give me wisdom to put my understanding of your word into practice in my life. Help me to serve your purpose, sharing the Good News of salvation with the world. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: With the Lord Forever
