The doctrine of men

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. – Colossians 2.20-23

Sign, sign
Everywhere a sign
Blockin' out the scenery
Breakin' my mind
Do this, don't do that
Can't you read the sign?

Does anybody remember that song? The part that sticks out in my mind is the ‘do this, don’t do that because reminds me of the ‘touch not, taste, not, handle not’ from this passage.

It is sad, no, it is tragic, that for so many people their Christian living in not much more than ‘do this’ don’t do that.’

I’ve been part of churches that operated with a ticklist mentality of spirituality. At the ned of the day if you ticked all the boxes you were fine. If you listened to the right music and cut your hair right wore the right clothes and went to the right place it was grand. The ‘do thisers’ and don’t do thaters’ robbed too many people of living in the light of God’s grace. Too many times we have been led to please men instead of pleasing God.

God’s way is not to tick off boxes on a list. If we truly love God we don’t need a daily list of things to do and not do. God’s way is to live in the light of His grace and strive to please the One we claim to love.

How burdensome can that really be?