Bible verse: Colossians 2:23 – self-imposed religion

Originally posted on February 16, 2026 – by Andre Piet

Such regulations indeed have an expression of wisdom in self-imposed religion, humility, and severity to the body, but they are of no real value — they result in the indulgence of the flesh.

The regulations to which Paul refers have a reputation for wisdom. But it is an appearance. For in reality this so-called wisdom consists of self-imposed religion. It presents itself as worship of God, while in fact it is man who chooses and arranges the form himself.

These regulations also present themselves as humble and severe toward the body. Abstinence and harshness are regarded as signs of devotion, motivated by contempt for the body. This way of thinking has its origin in a view in which the body is seen as a burden or prison of the soul, which must be kept under control. A thought that has also found its way into church confessions, where it is taught that the flesh must be hated and combated (Ephesians 5:29). It stands in sharp contrast to the wisdom of Scripture, which acknowledges the body as God’s creation and speaks of bodily resurrection.

It is precisely here that self-imposed religion is unmasked. What presents itself as hostile to the flesh results in the indulgence of the flesh. Not the body is restrained, but the flesh is fed — whether through hidden licentiousness, or through self-justification and exalting oneself above others.

Delen: