“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” (Colossians 2:16-17)

In today’s verse Paul tells us that the religious “do’s and don’t(s)” of the day were not the right metric to judge. Meaning the only “reality is found in Christ Jesus.” This seems to be a pretty clear message to the Jewish-Christians of Paul’s day. Many were still debating how Christianity relates to the customs of practicing Jews. But while these verses targeted the these Jewish-Christians of bible times, a question can be asked about its application to modern day Christians as well. Just take Christmas for example, is it more appropriate to celebrate on December 25th or the 24th? If on the 24th, then should it be after a certain time? While the idea of considering these choices may have meaningful impacts on a particular congregation, there is no reason to judge a Christian for their decision. The December 25th’ers are no closer to Jesus then those who celebrate on the 24th. Now I realize this seems like an absurd topic, but it does point out the notion that modern Christians can still artificially bin themselves into spiritual ranks based on nonsense judgements. Consider the following: church pews versus chairs; a dedicated sanctuary versus a movie theater; traditional hymns versus contemporary music. Thinking a church is less of a worship center because it has a coffee bar. Or that a church’s size (too big or too small) somehow effects God’s word from being preached. Paul is speaking to us today as well. I know I have caught myself passing judgement on a church because of these types of observations. So in the end, when we refer to our fellow Christians let us not judge based on things that do not matter. Instead, let us all focus on the Christ in being Christian.