SCRIPTURE: Galatians 5:1-15
OBSERVATION:
To return to old covenant ‘righteousness’ is to be separated from Christ. We are to put our confidence in Christ, imitate His love, and eagerly wait for the final declaration of righteousness on the last day. This is not an excuse to sin, but an opportunity to serve and love. Paul warns against even a little legalism (yeast), since it can infiltrate our whole faith. He is so adamant that his anger boils over against the trouble-makers (v.12).
APPLICATION:
I have long resisted legalism, but my danger is the other thing Paul warns about, using freedom to indulge the sinful nature. I need to build up the faith working in love, to go further in generosity, sacrifice, servanthood – not to earn God’s grace but to show my gratitude and love. This is the ONLY thing that counts. Does this mean that God will sooner tolerate errors in belief or behaviour than He will errors in love and mercy? We’ve sainted those with right beliefs and right behaviours, but God celebrates those who humbly acknowledge failure, weakness, but also live out of grace, mercy and love.
PRAYER:
Lord, I confess that my ‘correctness’ is more in the area of beliefs and behaviours than it is of my humble, gracious, loving service of others. Help me to live and love more like You. Amen.