The Bible only tells us to “beware” of something a few times, so when it does we should take note.

Col. 2:8 says:

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

We can get our rewards at the Judgement Seat of Christ spoiled (stolen) by listening to worldly philosophy instead of Christ. Here’s a few pieces of thousand year-old philosophy, heard everyday in modern music, movies, and conversations:

1. Everybody else does it.
2. We have always done it.
3. A little bit doesn’t hurt.
4. My conscience doesn’t convict me.
5. I know when to quit.
6. You have to do it to get by.
7. It all depends on how you look at it.

That’s the “rudiments of the world.” When you are faced with a decision, the world wants you to live by those fundamentals. Compare it to the rudiments of Biblical Christianity:

1. Is it right?
2. Does it please God?
3. Does it build up?
4. Is it expedient?
5. Will it bring glory to God?
6. Can I sincerely thank God for it?

7. How will it look at the Judgement Seat of Christ?

If you’ll live by Christ’s wisdom instead of the world’s philosophy, you’ll have a better chance of not being “spoiled,” your rewards stolen for eternity.