DCLM Daily Manna 27 June 2026: Lure of False Worship
KEY VERSE: “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances…” (Colossians 2:23).
TEXT: Colossians 2:20-23 KJV
Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— 21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” 22 which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.
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In German folklore, there is a story about Dr. Faust, a brilliant scholar who became dissatisfied with his life. In search of greater knowledge and pleasure, he tragically sold his soul to the devil (Mephistopheles) in exchange for magical powers and worldly pleasures. The term Faustian bargain stems from the story. It refers to an agreement in which a person disastrously trades his or her moral or spiritual value for material benefits like knowledge, power, or riches. The bargainer becomes the ultimate loser.
A fallacy, like a sin, always has some attraction to it. For Faust, it was the promises of power and pleasure. It could be the prospect of some inexplicable satisfaction for some other persons. Apostle Paul was conscious of the strong pull of such temptation when he sternly warned the believers in Colosse of the unhealthy teachings of the Judaizers. These believers had been saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, by whom they received spiritual circumcision, were baptised, quickened, and raised from death to sin, and granted a life of righteousness. But certain false teachers sought to subvert the gospel by imposing on them the yoke of observing the Jewish ceremonial law bordering on meats, drinks, holydays, festivals, and other externalities. This religion is identified as “commandments and doctrines of men.”
The lure of false worship has never been stronger than in our digital age. Religious deception, aberrations, and permissiveness are easily popularised and glamorised on social media. Non-Christian religions and world-views are being vigorously promoted in the modern liberalised media, seeking to increase and consolidate their adherents. But more concerning is the presence of a crop of fake and false Christian teachers whose messages and activities pose a threat to genuine believers. They exploit people’s ignorance and vulnerability, cleverly using “enticing words of man’s wisdom”, which produce only a form of godliness but lack spiritual substance.
Here is a warning for Christian believers to shun any influence that can sway them from their commitment to the authority of Christ, true faith, and holiness. In doing this, two extremes must be avoided: the unnecessary yoke of religious bondage and the abuse of God’s grace through carnal and worldly indulgence.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: In the arithmetic of God’s word, there is neither addition nor subtraction
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Bible Zechariah 10-14
DCLM Daily Manna 27 June 2026
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