Scripture
8 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
Observation
“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit“. In Greek philosophy means “love of wisdom”. Herein, by divine inspiration, Paul talks about wisdom what comes from “wise men” who live their lives self-righteously. They portray and teach others to seek wisdom which comes from finite brain of deceitful hearts of humans.
God warns us against such human wisdom which characterizes every system of philosophy in the world. They all follow “according to human tradition” and have nothing divine, but moved “according to the elemental spirits of the world“. These philosophical systems and human traditions do not show any honor, love and glory to our God who is Holy and Jealous God (Exodus 34:14). Instead, we as Christians, should love God. We should seek His knowledge and wisdom (James 1:5, Proverbs 1:7). God is wisdom and He gives wisdom. He is in possession of all true wisdom and true knowledge. And love to a human, vain philosophy is “not according to Christ“.
The wisdom or philosophy of human is self-destructive. God’s wisdom is originative.
Application
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Whose wisdom do you seek after?
- Do you bow yourself before the Infinite and Glorious wisdom of the Lord of all creation?
- How much time do you spend talking with God?
- Does your wisdom show God’s character or deceit of this world?
- Do you worship God according to Christ wisdom?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, You are Creator of Universe and Lord of all hosts. We praise Your Name above all the names. We thank You for the Wisdom what comes from Your Word. We thank You Holy Spirit that you teach us, guide us and reprove us. We pray that Your love and wisdom will be always with us. We pray that our philosophy will be according to Your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
