It Starts Small

¹⁶ Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. ¹⁷ These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. ¹⁸ Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. ¹⁹ They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

Colossians 3:16-19

do not let anyone judge you

The Colossian church was starting to fracture. This was likely due to the insidious infiltration of false doctrines. These doctrines were making their way through the congregation. Believers found themselves at odds, hurling accusations at one another. Christians, like everyone else, can easily fall into the trap of pride. We frequently struggle with the same self-righteousness that plagued the Pharisees. Just as the Corinthian believers boasted, “I am of Apollos” or “I am of Paul,” some members of the church at Colossae also spoke arrogantly. They proclaimed, “I don’t drink alcohol.” Others said, “I keep the Sabbath.” Still others announced, “I won’t eat unclean food.” In doing so, they have crossed the line. They moved from merely holding personal convictions to casting judgment. They began looking down upon fellow believers who may not share their views. It is crucial to recognize that these matters are areas where God has graciously granted believers the gift of freedom.

For example, Jesus liberates us to enjoy all kinds of food (Mark 7:19)! Yet, some devoted believers choose to adhere to the Old Testament laws. They are convinced that God imparted these commands, at least in part, for health and sanitary reasons. They genuinely believe that following those standards is a path to better health. This belief leads them to steer clear of pork and certain other foods. Is that alright? Absolutely! God never imposed a command stating we MUST consume those foods. We CAN embrace them if we desire! A believer who chooses to honor those laws should avoid casting judgment. They should respect those who dare to embrace a different path.

Keeping the Sabbath is a profound example highlighted in these verses! This command is not echoed in the New Testament. In Romans 6:15, Paul asserts that believers are liberated from the law’s constraints. We aren’t bound to observe the Sabbath as in Old Testament times. But imagine if a believer chooses to devote Saturday or Sunday to a sacred pause. They can spend the day in heartfelt prayer, deep study, and reflective meditation. That’s a beautiful choice! Yet, this individual must embrace a spirit of unity. They should refrain from judging fellow believers who find joy in parks, sports, or other delightful activities on those days. Let’s celebrate our diverse expressions of faith!

God is our ultimate judge, and the Bible stands as His divine Word—a powerful force that profoundly influences our lives. His Word does not merely inform; it acts as a relentless judge over our hearts and actions. In the areas where God has spoken clearly through Scripture, we have an unwavering certainty that ignites our faith. We face the silence of ambiguity. Here, we are called to foster unity among one another. This echoes the plea of Ephesians 4:3. We navigate our differences with grace and love.

In what areas might Christians fall into the trap of self-righteousness? Could this allow their hearts to harden? Might their eyes glance disdainfully at those who do not share their personal beliefs?

• Keeping or not keeping certain festivals: Lent, Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, Palm Sunday, etc.
• Drinking or not drinking alcohol.
• TV, games, movies, dancing, cards
• How to dress on Sunday
• Which version of the Bible to use (KJV!)
• Music style
• Homeschooling

these are a shadow

The heart of our faith transcends mere rituals and rules. It isn’t about the external displays; it’s about the deep, transformative connection we cultivate within. Yes, festivals and traditions hold value, but they are merely stepping stones on our spiritual journey, not the destination itself. The Pharisees adhered to these practices. They engaged in hollow performances. They sought to showcase their piety but remained distant from the divine. Let us not be lured by the shadows of empty practices! Instead, let us passionately pursue the profound essence of our faith.

 the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Don’t be distracted by the shadow! Zero in on the true essence: Christ! Our faith transcends mere rules and commands; it’s far beyond rituals or festivals. It’s not just about attending church, nor is it reduced to symbols like a cross or a dove. Wearing Christian jewelry or performing good deeds doesn’t define it either. It’s not confined to baptism or communion. It’s also not limited to the allure of heaven. It’s not about the act of reading the Bible.

So, what is it all about?

It’s all about cultivating a profound relationship with Christ! You can engage in all the rituals. However, if you lack that intimate connection with Him, you are entirely missing the essence of true faith. In fact, you risk distorting God’s truth and crafting your own belief system. The practices mentioned serve merely as pathways to reach that ultimate goal. The Bible is not just a book; it’s an invitation to draw near to Christ. Heaven is not just a destination; it’s the glorious moment when we finally behold Christ face to face! Communion is more than a ritual—it’s a sacred time to honor and remember the incredible sacrifice Christ made for us. Christian symbols are powerful reminders of His love and grace. So, how passionately are you pursuing Christ?

Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you.

Paul passionately warns against the dangerous false teachers who seek to misguide you away from the enriching embrace of Christ. The true prize lies in cultivating a deep, intimate relationship with Him. Imagine this: Ephesians 5 beautifully illustrates the sacred bond between Christ and believers, akin to a profound marriage. In this union, the husband’s true treasure isn’t merely the flowers, dress, music, food, or decorations. These elements bring joy, but they pale in comparison to the essence of the celebration itself.

Imagine a man who walked into his wedding day, where dreams transformed into stunning reality. The cuisine was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece, tantalizing every palate. A magnificent 10-tier cake stood proudly, a symbol of indulgence and delight. One of the world’s most celebrated bands electrified the atmosphere with their live performance, filling the air with infectious joy. He even secured the opulent Hofburg Palace in Austria, a backdrop fit for royalty. Everything seemed utterly perfect, an enchanting fairy tale come to life. But lurking beneath the surface was a heart-wrenching truth: he had been deceived. His bride, the focal point of his dreams, never arrived. This man was robbed of his ultimate prize. No dazzling decorations, no matter how exquisite, could possibly mask the painful reality. A wedding without the bride is merely an empty, hollow occasion. It is stripped of its true meaning.

This is what happens when we allow false teaching. It shifts our focus away from Christ. We begin to focus on other matters that sound important. What is your prize? What are you focusing on?

Self-Abasement: Utterly denying oneself without purpose serves no good; it’s a path to nowhere! Beware, for spiritual pride often creeps in when we adhere to rules, seeking to earn favor with God. However, when we engage in healthy fasting and deliberately choose to forgo certain pleasures, we unlock a transformative power! This sacred time provides a precious opportunity. We can pour our hearts into worshiping our Lord. It ignites a fiery connection that nourishes our souls.

Worship of Angels: Our fascination with angels can easily divert us from the ultimate glory that belongs to Christ alone! Jesus is the very heart and soul of our faith—not the angels that surround us. We should express our gratitude for the divine messengers God sends to aid us on this earthly journey. However, let us never forget to keep our focus firmly fixed on our King. He reigns supreme!

Visions: There are those who chase after grand visions and lofty dreams, often more fervently than they seek Christ Himself. Yet, it is Christ who must be the heartbeat of our pursuit and the unwavering focus of our lives.

they have lost connection with the head,

Here lies the heart of the matter: our unwavering focus must be on Christ! We must cling to Him with all our might. We are not “Crosstians,” “Churchtians,” or “Bibletians”—we are Christians! It is Christ alone who ignites our spiritual growth. Without Him, we can achieve nothing. So, I ask you—what are you holding onto? What truly takes precedence in your life? Is Christ the center of your heart, or have other things taken His place? How can you ensure that Christ remains firmly at the center?

---

Cross-References

• John 7:24
• Matthew 7:1-5
• Romans 2:3
• James 4:11-12
• 1 Timothy 6:3-5

Discussion Questions

• What is the main topic of this passage?
• Does this kind of judging take place in the church today?
• Why do some people put such great importance on food, festivals, and other traditions?
• If no one else is to act as a judge of us in these things, then who is the judge?
• How important are these things?
• What does it mean that these are a mere shadow of what is to come?
• What is to come?
• If the focus is not to be on these things, what is our focus to be on?
• What prize do you think is referred to here?
• What kind of false teaching is this person spreading?
• What is the result of falling for that false teaching?
• What should our view of self-abasement be? Worshiping angels? Visions?
• What is the key problem with each of these things?
• How does the church grow?

---

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.