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^8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Col 2:8, NIV)

It is always amazing to me how people try to say that the Bible is irrelevent to today's society.  Colossians 2:8 is a wonderful verse to show how it is applicable to today.

So what is the verse saying?  Simply it is telling us how easy it is to fall into society's definition of what is right and wrong.  Now think about this.... even when we know deep down inside that something is wrong, we still try to justify it, see list and in parenthesis you will find direct rebuttal from scripture:

• Abortion - somehow we think we have the right to choose because it's our bodies (^19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ^20 you were bought at a price. (1 Co 6:19-20, NIV)
• Living together outside of marriage - its ok because we love each other (^14 “You shall not commit adultery.Ex. 20:14) & (^2 But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. (1 Co 7:2)
• Sex before or outside of marriage - its ok because we love each other (^2 But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. (1 Co 7:2)
• Substance abuse - its ok because it feels ok and others are doing it so why not (^18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Eph 5:18, NIV)
• What is wrong with witchcraft movies, books, its just a book or movie (^9 When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. ^10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, ^11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. ^12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord, and because of these detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. ^13 You must be blameless before the Lord your God. (Dt 18:9-13, NIV)

Those are just a few, but the list could go on and on.  I know what ur thinking "Chris, your being legalistic" my point is simply this, we can try to justify anything, but scripture warns us not to do that.  There was an old saying, "when in rome do as the romans do", but if we are not careful it can and will lead us astray from God and His purpose for our life.

Have a wonderful day, Chris