We read about slick talkers in verse Colossians 2:4, “4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.”
Here they are again, just four verses later—trying to steer your mind onto another track with their silvery tongues. “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8
That phrase “elemental principles of the world” is likely pointing to the basic, worldly ways of thinking that don’t line up with Christ. It’s about the patterns and values of this world that pull us away from truth.
So I say, let’s not just blame the ones doing the talking.
We who are listening need to take responsibility—
for what we’re tuning in to,
how we’re filtering it,
and what we’re allowing to settle in our minds.
We have the mind of Christ.
Man alive, how can we let ourselves be herded off into captivity just by what we hear?
Thoughts don’t take us captive.
Quite the opposite—we take them captive.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4–5
Take responsibility over what goes into your mind. Align your thoughts with Christ.