Deception has always been part of military strategy. The British put it to good use during World War II in North Africa against German forces led by General Erwin Rommel.

They constructed pasteboard look-alikes of tanks and airplanes to deceive the Germans. From the air this fake equipment looked real enough to fool reconnaissance personnel, and it could be easily moved.

Satan, whom Jesus referred to as “the ruler of this world” (John 16:11), is a master deceiver. He was the driving force behind the teachers who were trying to persuade the Colossians to accept heresy as truth (Col. 2:4,8).

Followers of Christ today are in a similar battle. How do we defend ourselves against deceivers? Paul used military terms in his comments to the Colossians that can help us to know what to do. First, he commended them for their “good order,” which refers to being battle-ready, disciplined soldiers. Second, he spoke of the “steadfastness” of their faith in Christ, which refers to having a solid front. They had an unshaken commitment to their Lord and the advance of His kingdom.

Don’t be fooled by Satan’s lies. Know the truth of God’s Word, and be battle-ready through a disciplined life and an unswerving commitment to Jesus Christ.

  — David C. Egner