Hard Truth
I am finding myself pushing forward in my physical recovery. I had been trying to use a cane, instead of my crutches to walk at least around the you and some short distances around the community. Today, was tax day for me. I spent most of the day getting my tax return finished. I didn’t think I would have time until the election is over, so its good to mark that off my list.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 ESV
As Paul opens his letter to the Galatians he gets right to the point. “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel…” (Galatians 1:6 ESV) Paul quickly explains that there is no other “gospel.” There is only one message of goods news. That message is what the Apostles preached, what Paul declared and what Paul came to know. That salvation is by grace through faith.
The opposing “gospel” message was related to obeying the law as a condition of salvation. After Paul spends a considerable amount of time sharing his own story and background he declares, “…we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” (Galatians 2:16 ESV)
As Paul was addressing this issue, he knew that he was going to be in a position of speaking a word of correction. A word that to many would not be readily accepted. No one likes to be told they are wrong. But Paul makes it clear that he has a duty to obey God more than appease people. It is interesting that he uses the words, “If I were still trying to please man…”
As Saul of Tarsus, he was a hero of the Pharisees because of his persecution of believers in Christ. He had status among his peers and was feared by the Christians. But now as a follower of Christ and as Paul the Apostle, his allegiance and obedience was to Christ alone.
But Paul knew that truth must be mingled with love for people. His delight was not in telling people they are wrong, but he was being protective of the sincere faith of those who would follow Christ. He wrote these words to the Ephesians, “…speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ….” (Ephesians 4:15 ESV)
The aim of the faithful follower of Christ is to please the Lord not people. When our desire for stature in the eyes of people is greater than our desire to please Christ we cease to become a servant of Christ and we become enslaved to the “fear of man.” Solomon said, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.” (Proverbs 29:25 NLT)
Prayer for today…. Lord, allow us to focus on You, so that we can fully obey You. Help us when needed to “speak truth in love” that we might be Your faithful servants.