Verse 19 “‘and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.'” (NLT) This reminds me of Romans 12:4 which talks about the body of the Church having many parts (that’s us) and different functions. We all have a role to play in the body.

And then also 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 says “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body?  If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” (NLT)

This whole section is really Paul telling the Colossians not to believe all these added false teachings that have put additional restrictions on them.

Verse 23 “‘These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.'” (NLT)

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for holding the Church together, for growing and nourishing us in our skills and gifts. Thank you for gifting us each with a little something to contribute to the body that is necessary for the Church to operate fully. Open my eyes to the necessity of each part and let me not forget how valuable I am to the Church, and how valuable others are to the functioning of the Church. Keep my mind centered on You, the head, Jesus, so that I’m not led astray in false teachings of any sort. You have done the work for me, Jesus. Help me to walk freely in my gifting and honor You with my contribution to the Church. In Jesus’ name, Amen.