Vain Philosophies by Jennifer Tiszai  

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:8-10 (NIV)

When I went to college, I earned degrees in history and comparative literature.  These departments fall under the heading of humanities, or the study of humankind.  In my case, I studied what humans have done and what they have written.  I have always been particularly touched by the above passage because I, at one time, wanted to be a professor. Unfortunately, I saw people spending their lives studying things that were empty and useless.  It made me wonder how my life would have been different if I had spent as much time studying what God has done and written, rather than men.

Now, Paul is not saying that it is wrong to study anything besides the Word of God.  But he is giving us a warning to be aware and cautious. In fact, in the King James Version, the first word of this verse is “Beware.”

While Paul uses the term philosophy, he means any system of thought or learning that does not have Christ as its center. That is our society. It is called humanism, which is the belief in the supremacy of man and his achievements. The vast majority of what our society studies and learns is geared to studying what we as people have accomplished, what we think, how we act, and what we can discover.  It’s all about us, and it leaves very little room for God.

This is why, as Christians, we must be very careful of the advice we receive.  We have to realize that any advice we receive from non-Christian sources will have as its end a view that man is the ultimate.  Whereas from a Christian standpoint, we believe that everything in our lives is subject to Christ.  You can see how these differences in philosophy will result in different advice.  For example, if you believe all your money and possessions belong to God, you will tithe and give of yourself cheerfully to further God’s kingdom.  If you believe that your goal in life is to reach your own highest fulfillment, you would see tithing and ministry as a waste of time and money.  So if we take advice from non-Christian sources, we may be inadvertently heading away from God’s plan for us.  That is why Paul wants us to be extremely wary. 

The solution to world-centered philosophy is in verses 9 through 13.  First, we must remember that Jesus was God come to earth in human form. Second, we most completely fulfill our reason for being through living God’s plan for our lives. Finally, remember that God Himself created knowledge and intelligence.  Our very ability to study mankind comes from God.

What areas of your life do you tend to look to the world for guidance rather than God’s Word and godly counselors? Does your life show that you are following God’s plan rather than the world’s philosophy? Ask God to show you areas in your life that you need to bring under His control.