Let no one take you captive

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8

I feel like an enigma.  I suppose it is because I am blessed with a husband who is biblically discerning and so I read, hear, and see more than most women in my small circle of life.  

I am sure if I didn’t have my Beloved all these years, I could have easily slipped into deception, mainly because I don’t investigate everything - and this is to my shame.  I am basically a follower, not a leader.  

“But examine everything carefully;  hold fast to that which is good;  abstain from every form of evil.” 1Thessalonians 5:21-22

“Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”  Acts 17:11

Here is a short list from my limited observations of many Christian women: 

1) They tend to follow others in what sounds good, and this is especially true if their husbands do not lead or are not discerning. 

 2) They tend to protect their little ones voraciously until a certain age (preteen or teen), and then let them go until it is difficult to tell their children from the world’s children.

 3) They tend to gravitate to what sounds good, and then fight to protect it even if lovingly counseled that it is not biblical. 

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick;  Who can understand it?”  Jeremiah 17:9

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

Jackie Alnor writes of her own recent examples of Christian women following false teachings:

When today's churches have fashion shows instead of Bible studies for their women, or bring in cosmetic surgery consultants to speak to the ladies, you know we've entered the new era leading to the formation of the Great Harlot. I mean why not? Nothing like a whore on a horse to represent today's modern 'Christian' imitator of the likes of Paula White, Juanita Bynum and Jan Crouch. As a woman, this grieves my spirit because I know the Holy Spirit grieves over this compromised carnal church. The teaching of holiness and sanctification in these circles is met with scorn and ridicule. One who brings the Bible message of holiness is told they have a religious spirit. These Pauliannas are the ones doing the mocking and stepping on what's holy. 

Jesus wept.

As God's handmaidens, we need to recognize deception; let us heed God’s word:

“The LORD’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but  be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape form the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.”  2 Timothy 2:24-26 

Oh, and by the way~~~~don’t try to pull the wool over my eyes ~~~they’re open now.   If I don’t know or understand, then I know where to look.