byWe live in an information-saturated age where both good and evil content are being shared every single day across the internet. In our physical relationships with people, we get offended. Some people, out of offence, harbour iniquity in them and even stop relating with others. Many people have also quit listening to people who can help them and have separated from meaningful friendships because of what they have heard others say about them. I’m sad to say that some people, including believers, have had their lives severely spoilt (damaged) due to misconstrued relational problems that are solvable. What did the Bible say in Colossians 2:8? It says,
“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.” — Colossians 2:8 (KJV)
From the scripture above, there are four key things that can damage a believer’s spiritual health in Christ. And I am going to talk about each one of these.
Philosophy
Whenever you hear the word “philosophy,” what comes to mind? Education. Right? That is correct. But when this scripture was written, there wasn’t anything like modern educational systems. So, Paul’s use of the word “philosophy” actually meant Jewish sophistry (meaning the use of fallacious arguments, especially with the intention of deceiving). Today, it’s like people using “common sense” to try to disprove the authenticity of scripture. I must tell you that this is a prevalent evil ongoing in this generation. Be careful of people who appear to be too “knowledgeable” in other things while denying the truth of scriptural principles and truth.
Vain deceit
Deception is bad. But vain deception is worse. Why? Many people deceive others so they can use them for their own private benefit. But to deceive someone with empty deceit harms the victim while the offender suffers no wrong. Can I tell you something? There are people who are willing to win you over with a wrong argument that will end up damaging your life, not theirs. It is not everyone you need to pay attention to. Protect your eyes and ears from seeing and hearing obscene things that are detrimental to your health.
Traditions of men
Another thing that prevents some believers from embracing the truth of scripture to the fullest potential is the traditions of men. Despite how much scripture has emphasised us living according to God’s ways, many still live by their temperaments. There are some things they are so used to that they don’t want to let go. Meanwhile, scripture has spoken against it. Yes, I believe in the power of transformation. But as a Christian, you have a part to play in making scripture effective in your life. Enforce God’s ways in your life.
Also read: Freedom and Liberty in Christ, We Have Both as Believers
Rudiments of the world
The word “rudiments,” used in Colossians 2:8, means an elemental (orderly) principle. So, the rudiments of the world refer to the programmed evil systems and structures of the world that fight against the fruition of God’s Word in the believer’s life. I face some, and I suppose you do, too. We are in the world, so these things are not new. But you must be firm on your values, rooted in scripture, lest you get drifted by the world.
Keep your heart
Finally, I end this article by quoting what the Bible says in Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV), which says,
[23] “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.”
Protect your spiritual health from these four things above that aim to damage it.
You are a blessing!
