Colossians 2:16-23

Overview:
Don't listen to and adhere to rules that men make up in order to make themselves spiritual. These things are superficial and will pass away, but the TRUTH pertaining to Christ will not pass away. If you've died to the world, why are you still looking to the world for its approval? These rules (don't touch, taste or handle certain things) have an appearance of being right, but they are all a part of self-made religion. They are worthless in keeping you from wanting to do worldly things they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
Application:
It's much easier following a list of rules if that would make me more spiritual. I think the reason why the Christian life isn't about rules, is that God wants us purposely to be off balance so that we continually look to Him for support. Rules can give me an inaccurate assessment of how I'm doing - they can't see my heart attitude. Relying on the Holy Spirit's power seems vague in its application at times, but that's why I need to apply it over and over so that I begin to know if I'm doing things according to God's standards. God doesn't want me to be in control (as I might feel if I were following a list of rules), rather He wants the Holy Spirit to guide and control (fill) me. Sounds simple, but the application of it is a long slow process.

"God, I want to be controlled by You today. You are my Lord! I am your servant."