Colossians 2:8-10 Danger!

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. Col 2:8-10.
 
Sometimes we need a good warning because we have become complacent in the face of danger. Debby and I like to watch cooking competition shows, and it is rather amazing how often the competitors, people who cook for a living, cut themselves. They are so used to using sharp knives to slice vegetables that they forget the danger and slice a finger, too.
 
We live, every day, in a world filled with danger. With the internet, our access to dangerous philosophies and spiritual lies is greater than it has ever been in human history. The danger is everywhere. And the danger is real. These philosophies and empty lies pull us toward worldly thinking and godless spirituality. This is dangerous because they also pull us away from Christ. He is fully God, the sovereign God over all creation, and God over these foolish philosophies and empty lies. As such, He will one day reveal them for what they are, and those who have embraced them will suffer more than a cut finger.
 
Believers must not embrace these philosophies and lies because we have been filled in Christ. We have been made complete in Him. We need nothing that these worldly snake oil salesmen are selling. When we have Christ, we have the perfect source of holiness and hope. There is no need to look elsewhere.
 
We cannot be sure who penned these words, but I pray that they are encouraging words for you, as you strive to heed Paul’s warning:
 
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord 
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word! 
What more can He say than to you He hath said, 
To you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled? 
 
"Fear not I am with thee; O be not dismayed, 
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid; 
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, 
Upheld by My righteous omnipotent hand. 
 
"When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, 
My grace, all sufficient shall be thy supply; 
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design 
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
 
"The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose 
I will not, I will not desert to his foes; 
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never no never no never forsake!"
 
In Christ,
 
Pastor Don