“Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person also goes into great detail about what he has seen; and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow” (Colossians 2:18-19)

Several years ago, I hosted an early morning Bible study at my office. It was a small group, and as people came and went, the dynamics would shift. I remember one morning in particular when a new member began introducing Buddhist principles into our discussion. It was confusing because I had assumed she was a Christian. Instead, she described herself as "spiritual," taking ideas and practices from different sources to create a custom-made belief system. I was young and wanted to be accommodating, but this new influence changed everything. The group that had met faithfully for years quickly fell apart.

Spirituality is quite popular today. The teachings of Jesus are often seen as en vogue. Calling Him a good teacher, a major historical figure, or a moral man is widely acceptable. But drawing a line in the sand and declaring that He is Lord, the only way to be saved, and the exclusive path to God—that is very unpopular.

This modern climate is remarkably similar to what the believers in the Colossian church were facing. Just as legalistic influences were trying to bind them with old traditions (Colossians 2:16-17), another philosophy was trying to persuade them to demote Jesus to just one among many spiritual beings.

Paul’s response to this is a direct and powerful warning. He tells them, “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; their unspiritual mind puffs them up with idle notions. They have lost connection with the Head” (Colossians 2:18-19).

The Danger of Losing Connection with the Head

Paul’s argument against these competing ideas is firm. To those pushing legalism, he says, “Do not let anyone judge you,” because those rules are merely shadows of the reality found in Christ (Col. 2:16-17). But to those promoting a mystical, angel-focused spirituality, his warning is even stronger: “Let no one disqualify you.”

The word "disqualify" is a term from athletics. It means to act as an umpire who declares a player unworthy of the prize. These false teachers were setting themselves up as spiritual referees, telling the Colossians that faith in Christ alone wasn't enough. They insisted on special visions, extreme self-denial, and the worship of angelic beings. They claimed to have a deeper, more exclusive knowledge.

Paul identifies the root of this error: “They have lost connection with the Head.” This is the critical diagnosis. The problem with this teaching is that it disconnects the body from its source of life. Paul goes on to describe the Head—Christ—as the one “from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow” (Col. 2:19b).

Any teaching that distracts from, demotes, or adds to the finished work of Christ cuts us off from our spiritual life source. Christ is not just a part of the system; He is the system. He holds everything together, and He is the sole cause of true spiritual growth. We are warned not to let anyone rob us of this prize by insisting on adherence to rituals or mystical experiences that do not have Jesus as their supreme center.

The Message paraphrase captures this beautifully: “Don’t tolerate people who try to run your life...insisting that you join their obsession with angels and that you seek out visions. They’re a lot of hot air, that’s all they are. They’re completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ, who puts us together in one piece... He is the Head and we are the body. We can grow up healthy in God only as he nourishes us.”

Staying Connected to the Source

So, how do we guard against these destructive teachings that are still prevalent today? Paul gives us a clear path forward.

First, stay true to how you started your journey with Christ. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him” (Colossians 2:6). How did you receive Christ? By faith. Not by works, not by special knowledge, and not by mystical visions. Therefore, continue to live by faith in Him. Let what you know about Christ—His love, His grace, His sufficiency—be the umpire that makes the calls in your life. Weigh every new idea and practice against the truth of who He is.

Second, cultivate an eternal perspective. Paul continues this thought in the next chapter: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3). When your focus is on earthly things—rules, rituals, or even spiritual experiences—you lose sight of the ultimate reality. But when you set your heart on Christ, you draw life from the true source. Abundant life flows from a mind renewed by the truth of who God is and who you are in Him.

Don't Be Disqualified

Looking back at that office Bible study, I can see my mistake. I let outside influences have a seat at the table because I wanted to be accommodating. In doing so, I allowed the group to lose its connection with the Head. The focus shifted from Christ, and the other members, who were there to grow in Him, grew tired and left. I let a subtle, different teaching disqualify me from leading them well.

The prize Paul speaks of is a life fully connected to Christ, growing as God causes it to grow, and confident in the inheritance He has qualified us for. Don't let anyone or anything disqualify you from that prize.

Today, I want to encourage you to let the truth of Christ's Lordship act as the umpire in your life. May the reality of who He is become so central to your heart that no competing idea can pull you away. Stay connected to the Head, and you will find all the life and growth you could ever need.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. What ideas tempt you to add something to your faith in Jesus? How can you recentre on Him alone?

2. When have you felt pressured by a "spiritual" teaching? How does staying connected to Christ protect you?

3. What is one way you can focus on Christ this week instead of your own performance?