I used to think the apostle Paul’s letter to the churches of Galatia was all about circumcision—perhaps the last word on whether or not Jesus Christ’s male disciples should continue to have “skin in the game.”
And, to some degree, it was. But now it’s obvious that he was using the issue of circumcision here to force the readers to recognize a bigger problem:
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free, therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” [Gal. 5:1]
Being granted freedom is a condition that’s often misunderstood and subsequently misapplied. At one time, I was a perfect example of one who turned Christ’s gift of freedom into every “opportunity for the flesh.” [Gal. 5:13] In spite of being called to live in freedom from the bondage of sin, I still sought diligently to justify that calling through my own actions.
And even though I’ve never had to endure any arguments about circumcision, I’ve been known to engage in futile discussions about sabbath-keeping, ritual washings and congregational membership—even exactly how many times I need to forgive someone!
As a result, I was persuaded to bear every fabricated burden that originated from the pulpit or from well-meaning friends.
It never occurred to me that there was nothing more I could do to make myself any more deserving to be free than what Jesus Christ had already done for me. In fact, I was unaware that, by trying to supplement His sacrificial work on the cross, I was diminishing it!
And that’s just asking for trouble. As adults, we learn to get over other people stealing our glory from time to time. However, I have a feeling our Lord Jesus won’t be so accommodating if I was alway trying to steal His in this age.
Here’s another thought.
Every minute I spend attempting to validate my freedom to walk in the Spirit through my own devices is a minute wasted in Christ’s service. It’s one I can’t spend laying down my life for a brother. More importantly, every burden I put on myself is one I have to saddle up on him as well.
I wonder how that’s gonna’ work out?
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. [Gal. 5:16]
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Posted: July 13, 2019 by cjournalme
Don’t Saddle Me Bro’!
I used to think the apostle Paul’s letter to the churches of Galatia was all about circumcision—perhaps the last word on whether or not Jesus Christ’s male disciples should continue to have “skin in the game.”
And, to some degree, it was. But now it’s obvious that he was using the issue of circumcision here to force the readers to recognize a bigger problem:
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free, therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” [Gal. 5:1]
Being granted freedom is a condition that’s often misunderstood and subsequently misapplied. At one time, I was a perfect example of one who turned Christ’s gift of freedom into every “opportunity for the flesh.” [Gal. 5:13] In spite of being called to live in freedom from the bondage of sin, I still sought diligently to justify that calling through my own actions.
And even though I’ve never had to endure any arguments about circumcision, I’ve been known to engage in futile discussions about sabbath-keeping, ritual washings and congregational membership—even exactly how many times I need to forgive someone!
As a result, I was persuaded to bear every fabricated burden that originated from the pulpit or from well-meaning friends.
It never occurred to me that there was nothing more I could do to make myself any more deserving to be free than what Jesus Christ had already done for me. In fact, I was unaware that, by trying to supplement His sacrificial work on the cross, I was diminishing it!
And that’s just asking for trouble. As adults, we learn to get over other people stealing our glory from time to time. However, I have a feeling our Lord Jesus won’t be so accommodating if I was alway trying to steal His in this age.
Here’s another thought.
Every minute I spend attempting to validate my freedom to walk in the Spirit through my own devices is a minute wasted in Christ’s service. It’s one I can’t spend laying down my life for a brother. More importantly, every burden I put on myself is one I have to saddle up on him as well.
I wonder how that’s gonna’ work out?
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. [Gal. 5:16]
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