June 4 - Colossians 2:8
“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.”
The first thing I read in regards to this verse was that the word for ‘take captive’ actually means ‘to carry off as booty or as a captive in a war.’ I just started to giggle as I thought about how true this really can be. Paul’s concern for the Colossians was strong, knowing that their thoughts can be just as destructive in the community as having warriors come tearing through, pillaging everything in sight.
It didn’t happen that my junior high brain saw the word booty and the complete imagery was of some woman thrown over the shoulder of a soldier as she was being hauled away, kicking and screaming. But, that’s probably more immature than I should admit to being.
More than likely there was a teacher in Colosse that brought his own ideas in and was teaching them around town. I think of the snake-oil salesmen that used to walk into town filled with positive and wonderful things to say about the concoctions he sold. They would cure every ill, heal sickness and disease, make the lame walk, blind see and bring happiness to everyone who purchased a bottle. Before people realized that none of his tales were true, he had moved on with their money and their trust.
We still see these same types of people today, the packaging is just a little nicer and the advertising a little flashier. People continue to buy into the lies, hoping for a quick and easy fix to their problems. These people reach out to our basic needs, promising that anything in the world is possible, we just need to trust them and their ... snake oil.
Empty, hollow, deceptive lies filled with what sounds like truth, but is far removed from truth. We find it easy to believe in these lies because they have a hint of familiarity. But, the real truth lies in Christ. It may never be easy, disease and sickness may not be easily cured, happiness may not come quickly, but truth lies in Christ – and He will never be found running from town. He will stick close no matter what comes. He is the truth.
“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.”
The first thing I read in regards to this verse was that the word for ‘take captive’ actually means ‘to carry off as booty or as a captive in a war.’ I just started to giggle as I thought about how true this really can be. Paul’s concern for the Colossians was strong, knowing that their thoughts can be just as destructive in the community as having warriors come tearing through, pillaging everything in sight.
It didn’t happen that my junior high brain saw the word booty and the complete imagery was of some woman thrown over the shoulder of a soldier as she was being hauled away, kicking and screaming. But, that’s probably more immature than I should admit to being.
More than likely there was a teacher in Colosse that brought his own ideas in and was teaching them around town. I think of the snake-oil salesmen that used to walk into town filled with positive and wonderful things to say about the concoctions he sold. They would cure every ill, heal sickness and disease, make the lame walk, blind see and bring happiness to everyone who purchased a bottle. Before people realized that none of his tales were true, he had moved on with their money and their trust.
We still see these same types of people today, the packaging is just a little nicer and the advertising a little flashier. People continue to buy into the lies, hoping for a quick and easy fix to their problems. These people reach out to our basic needs, promising that anything in the world is possible, we just need to trust them and their ... snake oil.
Empty, hollow, deceptive lies filled with what sounds like truth, but is far removed from truth. We find it easy to believe in these lies because they have a hint of familiarity. But, the real truth lies in Christ. It may never be easy, disease and sickness may not be easily cured, happiness may not come quickly, but truth lies in Christ – and He will never be found running from town. He will stick close no matter what comes. He is the truth.
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