Beware of Human Error!
By Susan Klein
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depend on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than in Christ.”
Colossians 2:8
How disappointed they all must be! I wonder what plagues their thoughts now that it didn’t happen as they expected. I am speaking about Harold Camping and all of his followers who thought that the world would end, or Judgment Day would arrive, on May 21, 2011.
Many have tried before him and many will still try to predict when the world will end. Whether using complicated mathematical formulas based on biblical numbers, or Mayan calendar dates, they are attempting to accomplish the impossible! Scripture warns us not to be taken captive by these deceptive philosophies based on principles of this world. God’s Word is the only true source of accurate information. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are to know what God’s Word has to say about such matters, so that we won’t be “taken,” nor will we be responsible for “taking” others with our wrong philosophies. Harold Camping, though his intentions may have been pure, was misled, and he misled many others.
More than once, Scripture tells us that we do not know the time of the end (see references below). Jesus Himself spends a good amount of time (in Matthew chapter 24) instructing people that it will be similar to the times of Noah in that people will be going about their daily business and it will come upon them suddenly and unexpectedly. More than once Jesus states that the Son of Man will come at an hour when we do not expect him. So, why do people waste so much time and money trying to predict something that they cannot?!!
Jesus not only warns us against these types of actions, but He also gives us some sound advice of what to do while we are awaiting His return. He instructs us to “keep watch,” and to “be ready.” This could be interpreted to live each day as if it were your last! Know that you (a believer in Christ) will be taken up, but ask yourself: “Will my neighbor?” “What am I doing to encourage others to see their need for salvation?” “Do I have relationships that need mending?” “Am I spending my time and money helping the needy and reaching the lost?”
Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous. (1 John 3:7) Be ready, and beware of human error!
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 24:36-42; Luke 12:40; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3
Susan is our Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She is also involved in youth outreach ministry.
