Captivated By Captivity?

Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you submit to them as though you lived in the world? 2:21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!” These are all destined to perish with use, founded as they are on human commands and teachings. Even though they have the appearance of wisdom with their self-imposed worship and false humility achieved by an unsparing treatment of the body—a wisdom with no true value—they in reality result in fleshly indulgence. (Colossians 2:8, 20-23, NET 2005).

My Musings – Alternative “gospels,” or the turning of the true Gospel to the right or the left, are no gospels at all. They may captivate (attract and hold the interest and attention of; charm), but they are really taking the unsuspecting or unprepared captive (someone who is confined, controlled or sees no alternatives). That is why it is so vital that we “do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”

But how do we know what not to handle, taste or touch? There are so many philosophies and traditions that “have the appearance of wisdom” that it seems so easy to be deceived, submit and indulge (typically in that order). When reality, they are “empty” with “no true value” and are “destined to perish with use, founded as they are on human commands and teachings.”

The real question is not “how do we know?” The real question, as Paul so eloquently states, is “if you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you submit to them as though you lived in the world?” If one has not “died with Christ” the how or why is quite evident. They submit because they are of this world. But for those who have died with Christ, who have the true Gospel to instruct them and the Holy Spirit living in them to guide them, there is no excuse for being deceived by appearances of wisdom.

The True Gospel – “Study [like the Bereans] to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV 2009).

The Holy Spirit Living In – “How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you…your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” (Isaiah 30:19–21, NIV 1984).

My Advice – Have you familiarized yourself with His Word to such an extent that you can spot the counterfeit philosophies and human traditions that are contrary to it? Are you listening to the voice behind you? You may stumbel on occasion, but “if you have died with Christ…you [need not will not habitually] submit to them as though you lived in the world.”