"According To Christ"

  It happens so easily. People are led here or there. Into someones idea of spirituality or what the Bible means. There is so much information flying about that it becomes difficult to discern what is really good and healthy spiritually and what is destructive.

  "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ." (Col. 2:8) Do you want discernment? Do you want to make sure you aren't misled? Listen to Jesus and Him alone! Too many seem to run around looking for an earthly Jesus not realizing His purpose when He was on earth. Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords and rules with all authority from heaven!

  Even though we know this, still people are taken captive through philosophy and empty deception. Philosophy and empty deception reach to control your thinking and how you approach life. Philosophy and empty deception turn your attention to ideas and thoughts that help one look away from Jesus as their teacher. Too many mix philosophy and empty deception with the word of the Lord and that's how it takes one captive. Just listen to all the advice on marriage. Yet in the teachings found in Jesus and His apostles, there are simple answers of conduct and godliness. In the philosophy and empty deception of marriage advice there are great details given, hours and money spent. What if we would just do according to Christ? Would we make much more progress and be better off time-wise and financially? Once people are convinced of other ideas, it is almost impossible for them to let them go because it enslaves them. It is the structure their faith is built on.

  The tradition of men and elementary principles of the world are so easily accessed. These two elements in life make things look as if they are from the Lord and are spiritual. The result is the tradition of men and these elementary principles take the heart and thinking captive! Jesus spoke directly to the Pharisees in Matt. 15 condemning them for following principles that looked like they were from God, teaching theses principles and traditions as faith in God. It was nothing more than ceremonial! These too take people captive.

  How do we stay sure? Always ask yourself: "Is it according to Christ?" Do you want to find your purpose in life? Do you want to have real insight? Listen to Paul's power and purpose driving His life: "We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ." (Col. 1:28) Why are many losing their way? What are we turning from and turning to? Paul states life is about Jesus Christ. Jesus is the mystery that has been revealed and only in Him can one find their completeness. Jesus is the wisdom and power of God. In Jesus and Him alone are found all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. No wonder people are captive, weak and hurting. If it's not according to Christ, it's powerless and unfruitful! If it's not according to Christ, your life will begin to reflect your power source in its weakness.