Don’t be fooled

Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. – Hebrews 13:9

People don’t like to be fooled, but it happens so often that it might seem as if they do.

Far too many people fall for crooked schemes that cost them money, endanger their health, or waste their time.

It happens to elderly people when they trust the friendly, persuasive person who comes to the door selling a too-good-to-be-true product. It happens when a shyster tells a couple that he’s from the bank, and they need to withdraw money and give it to him to fix a bank error. It happens when a person with health problems buys hundreds of dollars’ worth of bogus medicine.

It can happen to us too – in spiritual matters. We can be fooled by deceitful presentations that make guarantees far beyond what God has clearly promised. But this isn’t anything new. Paul warned about this kind of deception in Colossians 2:8.

So, how do you protect yourself from those who make religious claims that God’s Word does not support? By being "rooted and built up in [Christ Jesus] and established in the faith, as you have been taught" (v. 7).

Whether listening to a salesperson or to a preacher, be discerning. Don’t be fooled. – J. David Branon

Christ is all we need,

His truth complete –

The world will try to add, subtract, distort;

Cling to what you know, and trust

God’s Word,

Don’t let yourself believe a false report. – Carbaugh

READ: Colossians 2:1-10

Feeding on God’s truth will keep you from swallowing a lie.

The Bible in one year:

• 2 Samuel 21-22

• Luke 18:24-43