Paul wrote these words to the believers in the region of Galatia. They were caught up in having the true Gospel that Paul had taught them being questioned and rebuked by Jewish believers who said they had to follow the Torah in order to be acceptable to God.
Paul wanted them to understand the freedom of the true Gospel, that they didn’t have to please anyone other than God, which happened when they believed in and proclaimed Jesus as Messiah. They didn’t have to be circumcised or follow the other rules the Jewish folks were pushing.
We face similar things today. Salvation in Christ is free and freeing. It is as simple as openly declaring that Jesus is Lord and believing in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, yet there are those who add on so many things.
Oh, I’m sure that some of the add-ons are from an abundance of goodness—wanting to disciple the new believers, but have instead become burdens that prevent others from entering or growing in the Kingdom.
Certain churches and denominations are built on these add-ons. This is misguided at best and deceit at worst.
People add in their expectations and their rules, but if we follow them, we step out of having Jesus as Lord and put those people in His place.
Instead, let’s take on the mind of Christ, learning what He said about these things. Let’s trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all things so that we obey Him fully.
Measure what people say you should do against the Word, and ask the Spirit to reveal the truth of the matter to you. You’ll have a clearer picture of the difference between pleasing people and pleasing God. Will you strive to make those people happy or will you rest in God’s promises with faith, trusting that He is pleased with you?
Choose God every time.
Coffee, Bible, Journal.
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