Don't Follow Human Rules

“[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. [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 2:16-23)

Isn't it awesome that we don't have so much rules and traditions to follow as it did in the past? I think sometimes we became too focused on the rules or way things are done, that we missed the bigger picture in totality. What I am thinking about here when reading this scripture is about us doing our prayers, quiet time, evangelism and other stuffs blindly, without considering the purpose of these meaningful activities.

The Bible says do not let anyone judge us by what we do, eat or drink. We are only able to stand firm before any accusation when we know what we are doing. Therefore we need to search our hearts about the things we are so used to doing. The reasons behind our works as a disciple ought to be love driven; driven by God's love and love for God.

I think of the many times when I just follow the motion of going out to evangelize without first considering the noble purpose behind it. Am I able to do it with an open heart? Am I proud to do God's work? No. In fact, I did a lousy job when my heart is not right with God.

The Bible reminds me to be careful not to become a religious zombie who lack love and purpose in the things I do.

I think that is why God came to abolish all these rituals and rules of the past, that we may focus on His love rather than lose ourselves in figuring out the perfect rituals...

Amen...