In Paul’s day, there was no social media. He did not have a Smart TV or a laptop. Paul did not know any celebrity influencers. Today, our lives are infiltrated with all of these things. Every day we are confronted with messages from a world whose beliefs are often in direct contradiction to God and His Word.

So, while Paul was not familiar with the onslaught of communication methods we face in our modern age, his words in Colossians 2:8 are on point: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” To be taken captive means that someone else has gained control of us. We are no longer acting or thinking for ourselves.

Jesus called Himself the “good shepherd” (John 10:11). As a shepherd, He cares for His sheep, leads them, and even lays down his life for them. Jesus warned His followers that others would not have their best interest at heart. These “thieves and robbers” come “to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:8, 10).

Paul issues stern warnings against absorbing the world’s hollow and deceptive philosophy. The church in Greco-Roman culture was heavily influenced by this type of thinking that was independent of and opposed to God. This is why Paul points them back to the truth in verses 9–10: “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.” Romans 12:2 gives the same warning, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.”

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