Don't Let Anyone Beguile You

Paul warns the believers in Colossae against being beguiled or deceived by worshipping God through their own will (v. 23). This is still true for all bible-believing Christians today! Because this type of worship is carnal (Rom 8:6). By putting on a religious facade in order to make it look spiritual, just like the Pharisees who try to “disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast” (Mt 6:16). It can deceive us of our “reward in a voluntary humility” or by putting on the appearance of doing things for the Lord, but with a haughty spirit!

There are many women and young girls today who try to “adorn themselves in modest apparel” (1 Tim 2:9), only while attending church services. However, they dress like the world on other days which draws attention to themselves (Gal 1:10). The prophet Isaiah rebuked the women of his time not only because of their worldly attire, but also because of how they carried themselves (Isa 3:16). This double-standard often originates from the heart (Jer 17:9). Because whatever is in the heart will always show itself in the outward appearance (1 Sam 16:7). A person who promises not to say curse words on Sundays should not curse at all; “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Mt 12:34)!

Sometimes, women and even young men are naively going along with the prevailing fashion of the world, because they simply don’t understand the biblical principles of modesty. A humble heart (Ps 69:32), obedience to God’s word (1 Thes 4:2), and submission to those who are in authority (1 Cor 11:3), would enable them to be open to correction and responsive to “instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16). We can have victory over the flesh; not by our own will power, but only through the power of Christ when we “walk in the Spirit” (Gal 5:16). Don’t let anyone beguile you! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera