LEGALISM doesn't like this passage of scripture, but it's there, it's true and we don't try to twist it to support a legalistic point of view.
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Colossians 2:16-23 NASB
"Therefore, no one is to act as your judge in regard to 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸, or in respect to a festival or a new moon, or a 𝗦𝗮𝗯𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗮𝘆— [17] 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒂 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘 of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. [18] Take care that no one keeps defrauding you of your prize by delighting in humility and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, [19] and not holding firmly to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. [20] If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, [21] “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” [22] (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of man? [23] These are matters which do have the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence."
Friends, there is liberty in Christ.
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Galatians 5:1 NASB
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
2 Corinthians 3:17 NASB
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Reflecting on Colossians 2:16-23, I personally found freedom from burdensome religious rules when I began focusing on the substance rather than the shadows mentioned in the passages. Many people struggle under legalism, feeling obligated to observe food laws, special festivals, and sabbath restrictions as if these rituals alone define their spirituality. However, this scripture reminds us that such rules are only shadows pointing to a greater reality in Christ. In my own faith journey, embracing this liberty meant trusting that Christ’s sacrifice and guidance surpass strict adherence to man-made decrees. As 2 Corinthians 3:17 declares, "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." This freedom liberates us from legalistic bondage and opens the way to a grace-filled relationship with God. Galatians 5:1 powerfully reinforces this message: "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Practicing this daily is transformative, encouraging believers to live by the Spirit rather than by rigid rules. I’ve noticed that when believers focus too heavily on external observances like dietary laws or ceremonial days, it can cloud the heart’s connection to Christ—the "head" of the body, as highlighted in Colossians. True growth in faith happens when all aspects of life are connected to Him, supported by the Spirit’s guidance rather than human commandments. Therefore, this passage invites us to appreciate the balance between honoring God’s word and embracing the freedom He offers through grace. This liberating perspective nurtures spiritual maturity and helps avoid the pitfalls of self-made religion, promoting a faith that genuinely transforms from within.