Many Christians Today Rely on Secular Philosophies Rather Than God’s Wisdom.

Colossians 2:8 warns us:
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

This verse cautions believers against being deceived by worldly philosophies that contradict God’s truth.

In today’s world, many Christians are influenced by secular ideologies that replace biblical wisdom with human reasoning. Here are a few examples:

1. Moral Relativism: “What’s True for You May Not Be True for Me”

Secular Philosophy:
• There is no absolute truth. Morality is subjective, and people should “follow their hearts.”
• The world teaches that right and wrong are personal choices, rather than objective moral laws.

Biblical Truth:
• John 14:6—Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
• Isaiah 5:20—“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.”
• God’s truth is not based on feelings but on His unchanging Word.

Example in Christian Life:
• Many churches today avoid preaching against sin (e.g., sexual immorality, greed, dishonesty) because they fear offending people.
• Some Christians say, “As long as it makes you happy, it’s okay,” instead of seeking God’s will in moral decisions.

2. Humanism: “Man Is the Measure of All Things”

Secular Philosophy:
• The belief that human reason, science, and progress can solve all problems.
• There is no need for God, because man can define his own purpose and morality.

Biblical Truth:
• Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”
• Romans 1:21-22—“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God… Claiming to be wise, they became fools.”

Example in Christian Life:
• Some Christians believe that the Bible is outdated and that modern psychology or science provides a better way to live.
• Many people pursue success, self-improvement, or personal happiness as their ultimate goal rather than seeking God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

3. Prosperity Gospel: “God Wants You to Be Happy, Rich, and Healthy”

Secular Philosophy:
• The prosperity gospel mixes materialism with Christianity, teaching that God’s will is for believers to be financially wealthy, physically healthy, and free of suffering.
• Faith is seen as a tool to get blessings rather than a relationship with God.

Biblical Truth:
• Matthew 16:24—“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
• 2 Timothy 3:12—“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
• God promises spiritual blessings (salvation, peace, joy), not a life free from trials.

Example in Christian Life:
• Some Christians believe that if they pray enough or give money to a church, they will receive financial blessings.
• When suffering comes, they doubt God because they were taught that faith should lead to a comfortable life.

4. Postmodernism: “All Religions Lead to God”

Secular Philosophy:
• Pluralism teaches that all religions are equally valid and that Christianity is just one path to God.
• Many people reject evangelism because they believe that everyone can “find their own truth.”

Biblical Truth:
• Acts 4:12—“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
• John 14:6—Jesus is the only way to God, not one of many ways.

Example in Christian Life:
• Some Christians avoid sharing the gospel because they don’t want to offend people of other religions.
• Many believe as long as someone is a “good person,” they will go to heaven—even if they don’t believe in Jesus.

5. Self-Love Culture: “You Must Love Yourself First”

Secular Philosophy:
• Popular psychology and self-help books teach that self-love is the key to happiness and fulfillment.
• This idea promotes selfishness and self-centeredness rather than humility and love for others.

Biblical Truth:
• Philippians 2:3-4—“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
• Matthew 22:37-39—Jesus commands us to love God first and then love our neighbor, not ourselves.

Example in Christian Life:
• Many Christians justify selfish decisions (e.g., divorce, ignoring others’ needs) in the name of “self-care” or “putting myself

6. Secular Feminism: “Women Don’t Need to Submit to Anyone”

Secular Philosophy:
• Modern feminism teaches that submission is oppression and that true empowerment means rejecting biblical gender roles.
• Women are encouraged to prioritize career, independence, and self-fulfillment over family and biblical principles.

Biblical Truth:
• Ephesians 5:22-25—“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord… Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
• 1 Peter 3:3-4—“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment… but from your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.”

Example in Christian Life:
• Many Christian marriages struggle because couples reject God’s design for love, respect, and leadership in the home.
• Some Christian women view submission as weakness rather than a biblical principle that brings harmony when both spouses honor God.

7. Cancel Culture: “If Someone Offends You, Cut Them Off”

Secular Philosophy:
• In today’s world, people are encouraged to “cancel” or cut off anyone who disagrees with them.
• The idea of forgiveness is replaced by permanent rejection.

Biblical Truth:
• Matthew 5:44—“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
• Colossians 3:13—“Bear with each other and forgive one another… as the Lord forgave you.”
• Jesus calls believers to forgive and seek reconciliation, not hold grudges.

Example in Christian Life:
• Some Christians refuse to forgive family members, church leaders, or friends because of past offenses.
• Many churches are divided because of gossip, bitterness, and an unwillingness to reconcile.

8. The Pursuit of Happiness: “Do Whatever Makes You Happy”

Secular Philosophy:
• Many believe that the purpose of life is happiness, comfort, and personal success.
• People justify sin by saying, “If it makes you happy, it must be right.”

Biblical Truth:
• Matthew 6:33—“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
• Psalm 37:4—“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Example in Christian Life:
• Many Christians pursue wealth, entertainment, and pleasure while neglecting their spiritual growth.
• Some justify sinful relationships, addictions, or unethical behavior because it makes them feel happy at the moment.

Final Thoughts: Are You Being Deceived?

The enemy uses secular philosophies to distort God’s truth and lead believers astray. The Bible warns us:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

How to Stand Firm in God’s Wisdom
1. Know God’s Word—Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
2. Test Every Idea Against Scripture—1 John 4:1 warns, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
3. Seek God’s Wisdom, Not the World’s—James 1:5 promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God.”

Final Question: Are You Rooted in God’s Truth or the World’s Lies?

Every Christian must decide whether they will be shaped by culture or Christ. Will you stand firm in biblical truth, or will you allow the world’s philosophies to take you captive?

“Let no one take you captive through philosophy and empty deceit.” (Colossians 2:8)