20 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: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 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.REFLECTIONSWritten by Graham and Marianne Mallison Paul says in verse 20 that we “died with Christ”. Those who believe in Christ participate in the death that Jesus experienced in his body. This is symbolised in our baptism (back in verse 12). As we go under the water, it represents being buried with Christ in death, and just as Jesus rose from the dead, we receive new life in him (Romans 6:3-4).Human rules, which sound like a list of Don’ts, have no lasting value because they only function within this world. “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch,” Paul mocks, because abstinence from food or drink do not, in and of themselves, bring us closer to God.This does not mean that discipline has no place in a Christian’s life. We believe our bodies are God’s temples (1Cor 6:19-20), and as such it is important to take control of our eating and exercise regimes to help us to honour God. The second of Jesus’ two great commandments – “Love your neighbour as yourself’ (Matthew 22:39) – assumes that we do take care of our bodies. The New Testament also encourages us to fast in some situations (see Mark 2:19-20; Acts 13:2-3). I often fast, because I use the feeling of hunger to prompt me to pray (listen and talk to God).However, none of these things are rules that we must obey to be saved. Paul warns against regulations which involve treating our bodies harshly (verse 23). That is, we mustn’t think that the way to overcome sin is by making strict, harsh rules for ourselves or for others. As long as our religion is disassociated from Christ, it lacks any power to transform our hearts or bring us to salvation.Rules are not necessarily bad in themselves. We are called to obey the commands of Jesus – they are not an optional extra. The Bible is clear that obedience, love and faith are intimately connected. But I am assured of my salvation because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. And if there are other practices or disciplines that help us in our love for God, we may follow them out of our freedom in Christ. But they must never become rules we have to keep in order to be saved. ABOUT THE AUTHORThe Mallisons are members of our Fairfield evening congregation.