Colossians 2:20-23 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-- 21 "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)--according to human precepts and teachings? 23 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.
In more than one of Paul’s letters, he found it necessary to deal with the problem of asceticism in the church. Asceticism is an ideology that holds to denying yourself from any sort of indulgence. Those living the ascetic lifestyle were the ultimate killjoys in life. Paul saw this type of life as an impotent attempt to deal with the lusts of the flesh. An extreme focus on self-denial does not transform us from fleshly desire but it can make you pridefully focused on outward expressions of false piety.
Paul’s point for the Colossians was that their own attempts for holiness could only be superficial. Generally, the purpose of asceticism is a joyful and enlightened life. The problem with asceticism is that an extreme dedication to denial ends up robbing of joy, not giving it. While those in an ascetic lifestyle do see the bankruptcy and damage of an undisciplined life of licentiousness, they cause their own harm in the opposite direction. With either end of the scale, the heart is bound and enslaved in sin.
Paul wanted the church in Colossae to know that true joy and contentment can only be found in and through Christ. In Christ, we neither live in slavery to the flesh or in the hard bondage of denial. We live in the enjoyment of God who opens our eyes and shows us that all can be enjoyed when his glory is the purpose by which we enjoy it. He shows us how to enjoy life without making our own sinful flesh the end goal. We neither seek the impossible task of redeeming our flesh or feeding it. Our Goal is to live in this world and enjoy all that God has given us in a way that pleases and enjoys him. While there is nothing we can do (or not do) that can redeem our flesh and transform our heart, Jesus has done it all. Because of the crucifixion of Christ, our fleshy pursuit is crucified with him, and we are also raised with him in new life. It’s not a life of abstinence, it’s a life of gratitude, love, contentment, and joy. We can enjoy God’s good gifts in life because our greatest desire is to enjoy the Giver.
When your holiness is only depicted by your denial of God’s gifts, it’s not holiness, it’s putrid self-righteousness. When your righteousness is found in Christ alone, his holiness can be on display in our enjoyment of him and all his bountiful goodness.