Branded

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ"- Colossians 2:8 (NIV). 

All Christians face deceptive worldly forces; especially students their freshman year of college. Some will falter, while some will fall. My freshman year battle was in my Philosophy class. Our professor attacked religions, especially Christianity. He had Christians raise their hands and then ask us how we could put our faith in a belief system that had no proof. As youngsters, we weren't as well-equipped to answer every question the professor threw at us, especially deep theological questions. He was adamant. Finally, unable to make us change our minds, he shook his chair, pointed at us, and called us monotheists. That's what he called us the remainder of the term. We were branded. There were even a few students who called us monotheists. We lost a few of the faith that term. These battles have been going on for generations and they're alive and well today. The tactics change, but the desired results are the same...to take you captive. The long thin fingers of worldly deception try to grasp you and pull you into the abyss. That is a place you don't want to be near, nor in, full of lost souls, who, if they aren't miserable now, will be later. If Christ is not at the center, flee. You may be a minority; you may be marginalized; but, you want to get used to wearing the brand. After all, we are promised to wear His brand one day: "They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads" (Revelation 22:4 ). Branded as His for eternal life.