It Starts Small

²⁰ Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ²¹ “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²² These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. ²³ Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Colossians 2:20-23

died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world

These are the profound ideas that resonate with wisdom, yet they are as limited as our own understanding. The intricacies of man-made religion are brimming with these concepts. One such notion is the belief that we must atone for our misdeeds. We feel compelled to perform enough good acts to tip the scales in our favor. We might think we have to follow a strict set of rules. This is believed to be necessary to earn our place in the grace of Christ. These simplistic guidelines strip away the essence of a genuine relationship with God. They reduce it to mere checklists of dos and don’ts. Although they may sound spiritual and elevated, these rules shift our focus away from the magnificent truth of Christ. They turn our attention to our own shortcomings. We become preoccupied with our capacity to meet these demands. We should instead embrace the transformative power of Christ’s forgiveness when we stumble.

have an appearance of wisdom,

A set of rules may sound spiritual, but they are not. These rules serve as an interesting commentary on the nature of beliefs. Such beliefs and practices often masquerade as profound wisdom. These guidelines may invoke feelings of enlightenment. They may connect you to a higher purpose. Yet upon closer examination, they reveal themselves to be mere constructs. These constructs are devoid of true substance or spiritual insight. Such rules can easily mislead individuals searching for genuine guidance. They blend catchy phrases and appealing rhetoric with superficial concepts. This leaves a void where authentic spiritual growth should thrive. Discerning the difference between genuine spirituality and hollow rules is crucial.

they lack any value

Man-made rules and standards may seem wise. They are crafted by human hands. However, they fall short of bridging the chasm between ourselves and the Divine. No human invention can draw us closer to God. No religion forged by our own minds can eradicate the sins that keep us apart from Him. Moreover, these constructs often fail to guard us against the other extreme. We can succumb to the allures of fleshly indulgence. This leads us astray from our higher calling.

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Cross-References

• James 1:27
• Titus 3:5

Discussion Questions

• What are the “elementary principles of the world?”
• What decrees are mentioned here?
• Does following these decrees make us more spiritual?
• What things are referred to in verse 21?
• Are there things which we should not handle, taste, or touch?
• What is self-made religion?
• What key tenets of self-made religion can we see in this passage?
• What are the key differences between God’s Word and self-made religion?
• What value is there in severe treatment of the body?
• What is the perceived value in these things?
• Do these restrictions protect against fleshly indulgence?
• Is fleshly indulgence acceptable?
• How can we strike the correct balance between indulgence and forbidding things God has made for our enjoyment?

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