Read
16 Don't let anyone tell you what you must eat or drink. Don't let them say you must celebrate the New Moon festival, the Sabbath, or any other festival. 17These things are only a shadow of what was to come. But Christ is real!
18Don't be cheated by people who make a show of acting humble and who worship angels. They brag about seeing visions. But it is all nonsense, because their minds are filled with selfish desires. 19 They are no longer part of Christ, who is the head of the whole body. Christ gives the body its strength, and he uses its joints and muscles to hold it together, as it grows by the power of God.
Christ Brings New Life
20You died with Christ. Now the forces of the universe don't have any power over you. Why do you live as if you had to obey such rules as, 21“Don't handle this. Don't taste that. Don't touch this.”? 22After these things are used, they are no longer good for anything. So why be bothered with the rules that humans have made up? 23Obeying these rules may seem to be the smart thing to do. They appear to make you love God more and to be very humble and to have control over your body. But they don't really have any power over our desires.
Reflect
Jesus said “I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest” (John 10:10). Jesus intends for us to enjoy a full and rich life. The life he desires for us is not without boundaries, but they are set by God not people, to fulfill us. The Colossians are in danger of being dragged down again by human rules and regulations which will limit their freedom and return them to needing to earn what Christ has already fully paid for.
God, through Jesus, has wiped out the charges against us (v 14). Let’s not become entrapped by falling prey to a set of human requirements, which essentially deny the victory that Jesus has won. These things are shadows – Jesus is the real deal. Why settle for less?
Looking to externals such as false humility, worship of angels and visions places the emphasis on self-achievement potentially leading to pride, missing the point that no further action is required in this regard on our part. Jesus really has done it all through his death and resurrection on the cross. All that is needed is for us to rest in the sure knowledge that as we pursue our relationship with God, through Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit, he will be our source of life, growth and unity.
The externals add no power over our sinful desires. Only the Spirit of God, living in us and being given freedom to guide our daily thoughts and actions give us power to live lives pleasing to him and yielding us the fulfilled life which Jesus desires for us.
Respond
Jesus, I find myself keeping score of the good and bad things I think and do, subtly trying to earn your favour and forget that you have done everything needed. Forgive me for false thinking. Help me today to enjoy your benefits and trust you with the tough areas of my life. May I rest myself fully in you, basking in your love and care. Amen.
Rob Cornish
Rob grew up in Southern Africa, meeting SU at camps and clubs in his childhood. He worked as a Chartered Accountant, then SU. Rob and family moved to Canada in 1991 to work with SU, becoming Canadian Director until 1997 when he left to build a financial advisory practice with a bank until retiring recently. Rob and Cheryl work as volunteers in welcoming immigrants to Canada, showing them the love of Jesus, so that they may know and understand the gospel.