Colossians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 - Bait-and-Switch

When we first moved to Iowa in the mid 1990's, I noticed a furniture store that was having a "Going-Out-of-Business Sale." Excited to get a great deal, I eagerly entered the store, thinking I could get a La-Z-Boy at a great price. I was persuaded to purchase a something else. It less cost than a La-Z-Boy and I got what I paid for. The business? It continued to "Go Out Of Business" for several more years.

One bait-and-switch routine is so common that we think nothing of it. Why is it easier to by an appliance for $799.50 than the exact same one for $800.00? Why do we pay $2.99 9/10 per gallon of gas, but think "prices are going way up" when we start seeing a sign for $3.00 9/10 per gallon?

Some people use religious bait-and-switch. They get you in the door, as it were, to buy what they are selling: a spirituality without a genuine Christ. Big words are used; culture is invoked; gurus are quoted.

So we're warned:
"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." (Colossians 2:8, New International Version, 1984)

By contrast,
“...Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between 'Yes' and 'No.' ...as God’s ultimate 'Yes,' he always does what he says. For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding 'Yes!' ...to God for his glory.”  2 Corinthians 1:19–20, New Living Translation, 2015)

God, We are grateful that You, "can be trusted to keep Your promise" (Hebrews 10:23, NLT). Clear our minds to be aware of when anyone is trying to steer us from the simple truths of scripture, and the integrity of Your character. In Jesus' name, Amen.