This post was last updated on September 6, 2025

Day 231, Year 1

Breaking Free from Legalistic Humility

… “These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.” (Colossians 2:23 NASB)

Contrary to humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God, it is to follow different rules or laws. Today’s verse indicates that self-abasement is of no value against fleshly indulgence. Believers should pay attention to the following points to seek true biblical humility.

First, believing in Jesus is definitely not about following a set of rules. Observing rules can make people feel safe or different from others. Adhering to certain laws, such as those in the Old Testament, can really make them feel wiser and superior. Indeed, some people find rule-keeping easier than believing in Jesus, which requires having a relationship with Him. However, as mentioned previously, what we need is to seek wisdom and understanding in every way, and to welcome Jesus to rule in us. This wisdom, as well as Jesus’ invitation, guidance, and demands, is all unique, personal, and contextual for each one of us.

Second, beware of self-made religion. From time to time, there are instances of self-made religion among those who claim to be Christians. For example, Paul explicitly encourages us to share the Lord’s messages as led by the Holy Spirit in weekly services (1 Corinthians 14:26). However, in the early medieval European churches, there were cases of worship or mass being conducted in various liturgies. Some imitate the Old Testament model in worshipping Jesus, which has been proven to have minimal effect in combating fleshly indulgence. Certainly, we who believe in Jesus are required to use the ways He instructed. One correct way is to closely adhere to the teachings and examples of the New Testament and follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance at all times.

Third, we believers should be wary of not treating our bodies severely in pursuit of humility. It is believed that the phrase “severe treatment to the body” in today’s verse might have pagan influence, including maltreating the body in hopes that the gods would answer their prayers. Contrarily, Paul encourages us to discipline our bodies (1 Corinthians 9:27), or literally translated, “to strike under the eye.” For example, the purpose of fasting is good health, to free us from the control of appetites and fleshly lusts, allowing us to concentrate on praying for a longer time, but not to maltreat our bodies. In fact, the humility that aligns with God’s will comes from the bottom of our hearts, enabling us to submit to Jesus. And we should rely on His wisdom and power to understand and conquer the flesh and lusts one by one.

Reflection questions:

1) Do you have the problem of following rules, self-made religion, or treating your body severely? If you have one or more of these problems, how would you rely on God to solve them?

2) What is the difference between “severe treatment of one’s body” and “disciplining your body” according to God’s words?