There is no shortage of advice in this world. If you are not getting it on TikTok, YouTube or your favorite social media, just ask Google. My quick search returned simple tips for happiness. they include diet, exercise, better sleep and gratitude journals. Sound familiar?
we are inundated, everyday with this advice. They might even have “the appearance of wisdom,” as Paul says in Colossians 2:23. In fact, diet, exercise and the like, easily turn into a “self-made religion” (v23). I bet you know that person, I do. But, there is a problem. Paradoxically, they may lead to pride and self-indulgence.
These results are far more subtle than other sins Paul highlights. Consider sexual immorality or drunkenness. These are overt and hard to conceal. Spiritual-pride and self-righteousness, however, are much more covert. In the end, they lead us down the same path. As Paul puts it, “they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh” (v23).
While Paul addressed religious legalism, I believe our cultural obsession with self-improvement follows the same pattern. Our culture tends to take these good things and turn them into the things. herein lies the mistake. There is only One, Jesus Christ. It is his death and resurrection that give us life. Accepting that means that “you died to the elemental spirits of the world” (v20) No, that doesn’t mean to stop exercising or eating healthy. It does mean remembering that they are merely contributors to glorifying and serving Jesus Christ.