If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

Colossians 2:20-23

“Do not handle. Do not taste. Do not touch.” The church in Colossae was being challenged by teachers on the inside who were attempting to create a kind of self-made religion. And the problem with a self-made religion is that it often leads its followers away from the Gospel.

Every church and every belief system has its own set of rituals. Rituals allow us to feel comfortable in our religious world. Rituals allow us to check a box. And rituals by themselves, lead us nowhere and we end up carefully following rituals that cause us to put confidence in what we do, instead of what Christ has done for us.

I think it is helpful for us to consider our own motivation for the way we lead our lives? Are we trying to earn the approval of God or are our lives a reflection of a heart that is grateful for God’s salvation?