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“I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.  For though I am absent in the body, yet I am with you in spirit rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.”  Colossians 2:4-5 (ESV)

Ever been there when what was spoken, promised and pushed on us seemed beyond belief?  Perhaps it was the perfect deal on the car lot until the salesman calculated  the payment terms.  Maybe it was the gadget on QVC we absolutely couldn’t live without until we attempted to assemble all the parts in the box.  Sometimes it’s the opportunity of a lifetime until we dive in deeper and realize things were not as they appeared.  Or better yet we listened to one who sounded solid and then another spoke and we fell captive to their words.  All simply sounding too good to be true.

Believers in Colossians didn’t have flashy car salesmen or QVC  but that didn’t eliminate persuasive words.  Ancient philosophers were known for using impressive arguments to convince their audience to believe their viewpoints. When a face to face conversation with the believers in Colossae wasn’t possible,  Paul didn’t give up or lose sight of the impact his letter could make in their lives. Despite the firmness of the Colossians’ faith, Paul warned them of the potential threat of logical words which could lead to false beliefs.  Words which were often similar enough to be true yet dangerously rooted in untruth.  Anyone could be led astray if they didn’t guard over the voices speaking into their life.

Sounds a lot like our world today.  One person presents their view and it sounds convincing and believable until another steps up and gives voice to what they believe.  Lots of opinions – an audience for anyone – social media, tweets, posts, podcasts.  Easy to get absorbed with what sounds like truth.

Solomon (described as the wisest man who ever lived) greatly proclaimed the accolades of truth found in God’s word. The book of Proverbs is a showcase of how knowledge + understanding + application = true wisdom. Proverbs 2 reminds us to receive, treasure, incline, search and store up God’s words in our heart.  By saturating our mind and heart with God’s truth, we can avoid the lure of persuasive speech. Exactly what we need in our world today to navigate truth and alleviate wrong thinking even if it comes from someone with a convincing voice.

Like a Father hovering over his children, Paul desired God’s best for believers.  Despite the fact he was once the greatest persecutor of the church, Paul’s aim was pure devotion to encouraging the body of Christ and ensuring they weren’t led astray by popular beliefs.  His intentionality and determination consistently flows throughout the book of Colossians and serves as a reminder to us today.  To stand on truth, we must know truth.  And when others fall prey to what sounds good, may we be like Paul boldly and gracefully guiding them back to God’s truth.

“Father Your words lead us and cement us in truth.  Help us to treasure and hide Your word in our heart so we can avoid the pitfall of persuasive untruths.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life