There is an unpleasant reality we would all just rather ignore: someone is out to get us.
Now, that sounds like a paranoid and hysterical statement to make: But every day we are the target of some sort of scam from people who are trying to get something from us, and not just money. There are sophisticated networks who focus on the elderly, and there are powerful organizations who prey on children. There are predators for every group of people. So yes, not only are “they out to get us”, but we’re under attack.
In almost all these instances, there is a battle being fought for our minds. They work to establish our trust. If they can do that, they can take what they want.
That’s basically what the apostle Paul warned the Colossians of when he wrote:
Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elemental spirits of the world, and not after Christ.
Paul was concerned about the destiny of their souls and feared they weren’t being vigilant enough against the dangers. And getting cheated out of eternal life… is the worst scam of all.
Christ Himself warned, beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
Often, we are not skeptical enough of the ideas we accept. We welcome messaging that appears good and virtuous, but is actually deadly.
That’s why Peter said,
be …watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
So, how watchful and careful are you? Why do you trust what, and who you trust? Take this seriously: the attackers want in.
