S – Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.

Colossians 2:16 ESV

O – Commentary:

what you eat or drink: Religious teachings that prohibited certain kinds of food and drink were widespread in the ancient world. The OT does not prohibit drinking alcohol, but many pious Jews who lived in pagan cultures did abstain (cp. Dan 1:8–16). • Many ancient religious groups, including the Jews, celebrated the new moon with various ceremonies (see Num 10:10; Ps 81:3; Isa 1:13). • Jewish Sabbaths were set forth in the law of Moses and celebrated by Jews as an essential part of their religion (see chart, p. 235). Christians could continue to observe the Sabbath if they wanted to, but Paul insists that Christians have liberty on this matter (see Rom 14:5) and that it is wrong for anyone to insist on Sabbath observance as a necessary expression of Christian piety.

 New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Col 2:16.

A – It is healthy to know yourself well enough to set boundaries and guardrails to prevent yourself from sinning.  The challenge is when we expect everyone else to follow our same patterns.  Denominations, differing interpretations and rules have driven wedges between believers.  God gave the ten commandments and then religous leaders added 613 Levitical laws.  We need to be wise about reading God’s word, praying and asking God how to live a life that honors him and invites others in the journey.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Holy.  Give us insight in our own lives to understand the best ways for us to honor You and your word.  Give us the best practices that will cause us to grow closer to you and eliminate sin in our lives.  As we share with others, let it draw us closer to you and them.