Daily Devotion: Complete in Christ Week Eight, Day One

Reading: Colossians 2:8; 1 Peter 5:8

Devotion

Paul's command in Colossians 2:8 is simple: “Be careful.” It carries the idea of watching out, being on guard, and remaining vigilant.

A military sentry understands this responsibility. His job is to watch while others sleep. He cannot assume that everything is safe simply because he hasn't seen the enemy. He must remain alert because an enemy may be waiting for the right opportunity.

Peter gives us the same warning: our adversary, the devil, is prowling around looking for someone to devour. The danger of false teaching is that it doesn't always look dangerous. Sometimes it looks like wisdom. Sometimes it sounds reasonable. Sometimes it sounds religious. Sometimes it even uses Scripture—but uses it incorrectly.

That is why we cannot afford to become spiritually complacent. Know the truth to recognize the lie. Don't fall asleep spiritually. Stay in God's Word. Pay attention to what you are hearing. Compare every teaching with the truth of Scripture.

Reflection

• Have I become spiritually complacent in any area of my life?

• Am I carefully examining the things I hear and believe?

• What am I doing regularly to strengthen my knowledge of God's truth?

Prayer

Lord, help me remain spiritually alert. Protect me from deception and keep me from becoming complacent. Give me wisdom to recognize false teaching and a desire to know Your truth more deeply. Help me keep my eyes fixed on Christ. Amen.