“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” —Colossians 2: 16-17, NIV
What we eat and drink, how we celebrate—or don’t celebrate—a holiday or even the Sabbath are not the criteria for salvation or a standard by which we measure our spirituality. Nor are they a reflection of our relationship with God.
“Don’t let anyone judge you!” Paul says.
A particular diet will not make me closer to God or more righteous.
While the Hebrew dietary law existed for good physical reasons, just as there are sound reasons for healthy eating today, it was not the basis for spiritual maturity. Of course, taking care of our bodies is important. We need to be good stewards of the gift of life God has given us.
Interestingly, the Scripture doesn’t say “Forbid people from special diets or special days.” Rather, it says, “Don’t let anyone judge you either way.”
There is great liberty in what Christians can do! We can keep days and diets—or not. The point is that laws, Sabbath rules, and special offerings are not bad. In fact, they are usually good and edifying.
They just aren’t the real thing. They are a shadow of things to come.
Jesus is the real thing.
He is the fulfillment of all the laws. He is “the fullness of the Godhead.” He is the alpha and omega. He is everything we need to know the depth of God’s love and the key to abundant living—and He is available whenever we pray.
“Where the Spirit of the Lord, is, there is liberty.” —2 Corinthians 3:17
