“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Our righteousness is not from the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. Peter and some of his friends were trying to have it both ways. They were giving in to peer pressure as it relates to the law, yet they were also clinging to the Gospel. This is not good, which is why Paul called him out.
Truth is, rules and regulations don’t work. They can be helpful, at times. But they can’t tame the flesh. And they don’t change the heart. Only God can do that.
“If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations – “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used) – according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” Colossians 2:20-23
We don’t want to believe this, but it’s true. I, for one, sometimes think I can “rule and regulate” myself out of character and spiritual issues. I can’t. It never works. There’s a reason for that. That reason is explained in Colossians 2.
God is so awesome in that He has provided a better way. He is that better way. He changes our behavior by, first, changing our hearts. And it is this circumcision of the heart that far outweighs the circumcision of the body.
I believe we should set goals and strive to change bad habits. But let’s not fool ourselves into thinking that is the answer. It can help, but true and lasting change always emanates from the heart. Create in us a clean heart, O God.
