Legalism is a very pernicious thing. Every religion has its rules and regulations, and we are great at manufacturing them. For some Chrisitans its the cinema- thou shalt not! For others its drink- no not even a drop! (UPDATE: of course for an alcoholic a personal decision not to drink may be very helpful, provided it doesnt become a law for everyone else. More on this here) For some its wearing certain clothes, or strict sabbath observance.
I actually think some diets are bordering on the religious moto which is essentially “Deny yourself and you will be able to beat your flesh”. But like a faddy diet, guess what – these rules DONT work! I have lost well over a stone this year and this morning I still allowed myself to eat a bacon beagal!
The bible is very clear that man-made rules should have no part to play in the Christian walk. Actually if we depend on them we are in danger of shipwrecking our faith according to Galatians.
This passage in Colossians that I am about to quote makes it abundantly clear that rules, and traditions have no place in holiness. A couple of weeks back I even missed church just to take my wife out to a country home. A busy season had meant that we hadnt had any time together, so that and the fact it was our 10 year aniversary and my folks could have the kids meant that we spent Sunday morning at Chartwell the home of Churchill instead of church. Did God mind? I don’t believe so!
This passage makes clear that the real key to walking free of sin is to focus our gaze on heavenly things. If our mind is full of Christ, we will so value him that sin seems somehow inappropriate. That is the Christian way, not putting ourselves back under rules and regulations.
Col 2:16-3:4
Therefore let no one pass judgment on you;in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
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.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him iin glory.
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