As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him,
rooted in him and built upon him
and established in the faith as you were taught,
abounding in thanksgiving.
See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy
according to the tradition of men,
according to the elemental powers of the world
and not according to Christ. (Col 2:6-8)
It almost seems ludicrous to read the admonition not to be captivated by an empty, seductive philosophy, doesn’t it?
Yet, in many ways, that is what advertising campaigns are all about!
Advertisers know us best. They know that we are attracted by glitz and glamour, by zing and bling.
Knowing that, they build huge campaigns to sell us things that we do not really need.
Politicians know that about us as well.
Every election cycle, there are promises thrown at us in campaigns that are designed to garner votes for the candidate. Most of those promises are forgotten shortly after they are spoken. They no longer matter since we have been hooked.
Empty, seductive philosophies apparently make more connections in this world of ours than anything else.
The devil knows that as well.
He is a master manipulator. He knows what things we want to be promised. He knows what will get our attention. And he presents all of them to us.
This is why we need the Holy Spirit. We need the Spirit not only for grace to fend off these attacks but also for wisdom and discernment to know what is empty, seductive promise and what is substantial.
Do not allow yourself to be led astray.
FAITH ACTION: Pray to the Holy Spirit for the guidance that you need today so that you may discern the empty promises that come your way and keep your eyes fixed on the Lord.