“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” Colossians 2:2-4
This is Paul’s warning to his holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae, and one we too must consider in the America we live in today. Who do we believe? What shall we follow? Where are the answers? Are we being deceived?
Erwin Lutzer talks extensively about the deception we face and the role propaganda plays in his book “We Will Not Be Silenced.” In Chapter 5 “Sell it as a Noble Cause,” he warns that as Christians we must be vigilant, understanding the trickery and seemingly harmless methods of propaganda.
Propaganda (n):information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.
One example Lutzer uses is how in 1926 tobacco companies were able to persuade women to start smoking in public by labeling cigarettes as women’s “Torches of Freedom” during the fight for equality. While it was once frowned upon for women to smoke in public, the tobacco company doubled their sales simply by saying, “look how great you are for smoking in public- expressing your freedom.” You see, there was no mention of the negative effects of this, only the good. In fact, there was little knowledge of the detriment tobacco would be to one’s health later in life. But women started smoking, and the tobacco companies accomplished exactly what they wanted- all through propaganda.
When I read this example from Lutzer, my mind instantly went to all that we are facing in America today. Who or what can we trust? We are being incentivized for just about everything, and we are given little time to research for ourselves before being forced to make decisions (and those who do share credible research are canceled). I find it hard to rest some days, and my mind is constantly trying to gain more knowledge. Wisdom seems out of reach, and a complete understanding of anything seems impossible. But worry set aside, a deep breath and prayer always seems to be my calming place. You see, Paul’s words here are not “old news;” we have ALL the answers that we need. BUT we must utilize the resources we have been given.
- God’s Word
- Prayer
- God’s People
When we stay rooted in these three areas, we stand a chance to spy the false works of propaganda. In the same way, however, when we waiver, try to twist God’s Word, or follow false prophets {teaching}, we will be those women who thought how great they were doing and later paid the consequences through their health (and in our case- salvation).
We must be the watchmen on the wall, sounding the alarms, and not afraid to be “canceled.” God and His Word are the same now as they ever were, and neither will ever change. “For though I am absent from you in body {this is Paul speaking}, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.” Colossians 2:5.
Let the Lord go before you in all you do. Pray, study, & follow.
-LaNay Hervey, Spiritual Ministry Team