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: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 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.

What are the types of rules Paul is talking about here? Are they only the specific ones he mentions? No. They are like different kinds of weeds whose purpose is to crowd out the good plants and keep them from producing good fruit. These rules are the worldly patterns that are popular, acceptable, and approved by the powers of this world. Do they change? Yes. Is their root motivation the same throughout time? Yes again. It is to keep me away from a pure and true relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

This is why Paul says, “but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgences”. These indulgences are not just limited to sexual sin. This refers to the selfish desires or the self gratification that I indulge in when I am not following the Lord.

Why is it that I like to tell God at times how he should mold me and make me? Or what life circumstances I should or should not have to go through?

Lord, forgive me for this. Humble my heart to seek you and your ways only. To set aside my “wisdom”, and just seek your face, your heart. To simply trust and obey, as the old hymn says.

I pray that I will forever be uncomfortable having the right answer and the best way in my mind. And that I would trust you completely and wholly rely on your Spirit!