Today’s passage asks us a powerful question: if we have died with Christ and are free from the basic ways of the world, why do we sometimes still live as if we are bound by human rules? Paul speaks of ordinances like “Don’t handle, nor taste, nor touch”—rules that often dictate what we should or shouldn't do, eat, or wear, all designed by people, not God. These things are temporary and ultimately fade away.
Think about it: have you ever felt pressured to perform certain religious acts or follow specific traditions, believing they would make you more spiritual or earn God’s favor? Perhaps it's fasting to force God's hand in a situation, buying ‘holy’ items for miracles, or ‘sowing seeds’ to reap blessings. While some of these practices can have biblical roots when rightly understood, they often become distorted into human-made formulas that subtly imply Jesus’ sacrifice wasn't quite enough.
These practices might look wise, humble, or self-disciplined on the surface. They might appear to show deep devotion. But as Paul reveals, they have no real power against the desires of our sinful nature. They give us a false sense of spiritual achievement, making us think we’re earning something God has already freely given us through Christ.
Our freedom in Christ means we don't need to add anything to His perfect, complete work on the cross. His sacrifice was sufficient. We are saved by grace through faith, not by our own efforts or adherence to human doctrines. Let's embrace the liberating truth that our relationship with God is secure in Christ alone, and live from that place of freedom, not out of obligation to man-made burdens. We are truly free to serve Him with hearts transformed by His love.