Reading through Galatians this week has been a joy. That isn't my normal reaction when reading through a book filled with such admonishment. Paul is as rarely this blunt with observations or as urgent with his pleas. The Galatians are in a world of trouble and it came not long after Paul left. He knows they are ripe to be led astray and he is worried.
The reason it has been such a joy for me is because the Holy Spirit has really encouraged me to dig deep. Instead of just shaking my head at the naive Galatians, I have been wrestling with my own gullibility. Instead of being angry at the false teachers, I have been driven to examine my teaching for any hint of heresy. And most importantly, I have been driven to examine my heart for the flock God has blessed me with. Would I like Paul risk my relationship with them in the name of the Gospel? Would I speak the Truth to them so urgently when I see the wolves closing in? Would I challenge my fellow shepherds to walk in the Truth we proclaim?
Paul paints an incredible picture of the Gospel in this letter. One of freedom. One of grace. One of faith. But he also clearly demonstrates how delicate it is. Not in its strength or power, but in it's position in our lives. Jesus tells us in Matthew 7 that the "gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life." The Gospel is delicate in that its Truth cannot be knocked one way or the other. It cannot be pushed or pulled or placed off center in our life in any way. If that happens, we will go off path. We will be led astray. We could even lead others astray. Paul even says to ignore him if he would ever preach a gospel different from the One they received from the Holy Spirit.
This realization brings me great joy. Because it reminds me of this. The Gospel is a gift. The greatest gift I have ever received. My faith, my fruit: gifts. My family, my ministry: gifts. My brothers and sisters in Christ: gifts. I don't deserve any of them. I didn't earn them. And I can't work to keep them. I am overwhelmed with joy when I think of this. And I pray that this is the Good News I would cling to. I pray that this is the Good News I preach. And I pray that this is the Good News I admonish my peers with.
But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
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