I'm looking for a cheap insurance policy.

Saw this on Facebook today. People are encouraged to copy and post.

I want to say something about Christianity. If you don't believe in Jesus Christ, that's your choice! But why is it so important for many to mock those of us who do? If we're wrong, what have we lost when we die? Nothing! How does our faith in Jesus Christ bring others any harm? You think it makes me dumb? Gullible? Ignorant? That's okay. How does that affect you? But if you're wrong, your consequence is far worse. I would rather live my life believing in God and serving Him, and find out I was right, than not believe in Him and not serve Him, and find out I was wrong. Then it's too late. Ain't no shame in my game! I believe in Jesus Christ! He has been so good to me!! So it's kind of an insurance policy for the afterlife.

Here's my challenge:
If you're not ashamed of being a Christian, copy & paste this.

Belief is a choice for some, but is it a choice for all? Did Pharaoh have a choice, or did God raise him up for a purpose. Did God harden his heart, or did he harden his own heart? There are those on both sides of that discussion. But why are Christians mocked? I believe there are multiple answers to that question. One is that faith in Jesus has brought harm to others. Ever heard of the Crusades? Or what about those who do not believe in getting medical treatment because of faith. Or what of acts of hatred and bigotry against gays or any other group that is "living in sin." (It is so much easier to point out the obvious sins of others rather than deal with my own imperfection (sin). Another is the discomfort many have when having to deal with their sin (I believe it is called a conscience). Didn't Jesus say, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household." That sounds a little problematic and hurtful to me.

I don't believe that your faith makes you dumb, but it does make you a hypocrite. But only because we are all hypocrites when it comes down to it. Some worse than others. And again, this becomes something that those outside of Christ quickly recognize (their turn to point out our sin, rather than deal with their own. I call it the log and speck syndrome. Christians are not the only ones susceptible to the disease.)

I do not think those who believe are dumb, gullible, ignorant, etc., but I do believe that many who look to Christianity only as fire insurance are. The post states, "If we're wrong, what have we lost when we die?" To me, a lot. I have altered the way that I live my life because of my faith. I have given up things that other than my faith, I might not have given up. Only God knows how my life would have been different without faith. I believe Paul echoes this thought in 1 Cor. 15:19 when he states, "If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied." If ever anyone altered his life for his faith, it was Paul.

I think that sharing faith as an "insurance policy for the afterlife" presents a wrong picture of saving faith to those who do not believe. Is this saving faith? I will say that I believe so that if there is a God he will take me into his kingdom? Would those who hold to this model of belief be interested in and able to pick up their cross and follow him? Is this the faith that Jesus proclaimed and died for? I personally don't think so.

Sorry, but I cannot accept your invitation to copy and paste. Not because I am ashamed of my faith in Christ, but because such a post does not reflect what I believe about faith.

The Big Picture

John 1

English Standard Version (ESV)

43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

I marvel at the encounters that Jesus has with people. Somehow so simplistic, yet layered in complexity and mystery. So Jesus is getting His crew together, and he "decides" to go to Galilee. He finds Philip, and the only thing that is recorded is that Jesus says, "Follow me." How much did Philip know? What was it about Philip that caused Jesus to choose him? We just know that Philip does follow Jesus. Not only that, he finds Nathanael, and shares what he has found with him. But Nathanael is skeptical. When he finds out that Jesus hails from Nazareth (the hood?), he wonders what good can come from there. But he goes to check out Jesus. 
When he sees Jesus, and Jesus sees him, a bizarre exchange takes place. Jesus greets his as one in whom there is no deceit. Nathanael accepts this compliment, and asks Jesus how he knows this to be true, how does he know anything about Nathanael. Jesus tells him he saw him before he came, even as he was under the fig tree. That's all it takes, Nathanael is convinced Jesus is the Son of God. 
Don't they have a lot of fig trees in Israel? Was Jesus comment really that profound?
Jesus probably chuckled. You think that was impressive? Wait til you see what else is in store...

Thought for the Day:  So much is missing from this story. But we really don't need the details. I wonder how many sermons could legitimately come from such a text. This is a puzzle piece to me. So many questions I want answered, so many questions left unanswered. Just an odd little piece in a much bigger picture. Yet it is still important. I don't think God wastes time putting anything in Scripture. I just don't get all of it. And that is true of many things in life. I don't get why they happen, but they do and I don't think God is oblivious to them. If he knows the number of hairs on my head, I doubt anything else escapes him either. So I ask my questions, not always getting an answer. I am okay with that. I have to be.

What's you name?

John 1

English Standard Version (ESV)

35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?”And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them,“Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).

John was with two of his disciples, one of whom was Peter's brother Andrew. John proclaimed Jesus to be the Lamb of God as he walked by, and they followed Him. Jesus noticed and questioned them, saying something along the lines of "What are you looking for?" They returned by questioning where Jesus was staying. Jesus invited them to come and see. Then they stayed with Him for that day. In this short amount of time, whether by John's proclamation or by being with Jesus or both, Andrew became convinced of the fact that Jesus was the Messiah. So he went and told his brother, and brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at Peter (who at that time was called Simon) and said he shall be called Peter.

Thought for the Day: What would you think if someone met you and immediately decided that you should be called by another name? Was this like being called by a nickname, which many wear as a badge of honor, or was it like taking away his given name and changing it, which many would find offensive? Apparently, Peter did not find it offensive, as we know that he followed Jesus from that point forward. So what name would Jesus have for me if he were to meet me today?

Here's the plan...

John 1

English Standard Version (ESV)

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

Someone sent John to baptize. I can only imagine that to be God, with the message being delivered via an angel. He was sent to baptize and to prepare people for the coming Messiah. He was told how to recognize the Messiah, by the ascending of the Spirit in a form like a dove. And this John proclaims to be the Son of God. 

Thought for Today: As I look at the events in the life of Jesus, I see that God used obedient people (such as John and Mary, and also Paul comes to mind) to communicate who Jesus was and help to understand what His mission was. He still does that today, even though Satan does a good job of muddying the waters with many counterfeits. I want to be one of those people. I struggle with that at times because I struggle to know and understand what God wants from me. He has given me his grace, and I want to live in such a way that shows that to others. Not by eating locusts and wearing camel hair, although if that is what it takes, so be it. But more so just by knowing, understanding, and being able to communicate who Jesus is and what He has done for me.

Who are you?

John 1

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Testimony of John the Baptist

19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight[g] the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

John came to bear witness to the light, that is, Jesus. His (Jesus') own, those who did not want to associate with Him, went to John as questioned who he was. I don't think they came in honesty, but rather they came seeking ammunition to discredit either John or Jesus. Perhaps they were hoping to stir up some rivalry between the two. But John did not go for it. He made it clear that he was not the Christ. He also stated that he was not Elijah. For their understanding was that Elijah would come again before the Messiah. (He was not Elijah, but did come in the Spirit and power of Elijah).

So who are you, they asked, because we need to give an answer to those who sent us. (Speaks a little to their motivation, doesn't it?) So John told them what he was doing, making straight the way of the Lord. He was making it plain for people, because the way had been so confused and forgotten. The way had become all about following a list of rules to the T, but John's ministry was one of cleansing and forgiveness. It was about a spiritual healing and becoming whole before God once again. That is why he baptized.

But he was not the Messiah. John only baptized with water. There was one who was greater. One whom John was not worthy of. One who would ultimately give John's baptism meaning by his sacrifice: Jesus.

Thought for Today: As we come into this season, do we understand and appreciate the role of Jesus? There have always been things to distract us from that role. The Jews were distracted so much by their legalism, that God needed to send John to set things straight. Doing good things is important, placing a few dollars in a kettle or helping a needy family at this time of year are great things, but they are not salvation. John understood this. He understood that salvation came as a gift from God alone, through Christ alone. And that apart from Jesus, such things do not make us worthy.

There is no absolute truth? Or is there?

John 1

English Standard Version (ESV)

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

God became a man and lived among men. Sometimes I wonder which was harder, confining Himself to flesh, or living among those of the flesh. But even in the flesh, His glory shone out to those whom God revealed Him to, for He was full of beauty and revealed an absolute truth. John's testimony confirmed His divinity, for though John was born first, he proclaimed that Jesus came before him. 

I love the translation for the word grace that is given in Strong's. "That which brings joy. Moses gave the law, Jesus gives that which brings joy. Joy to the world. And truth is not just truth, it is "truth in any matter under consideration." Not worldly, situational truth, but the only truth. Jesus, in giving us grace and truth, has shown us the Father.

Thought for Today: We long for truth. We watch courtroom dramas, hoping that the truth will come out and the innocent be proven innocent and the guilty be held accountable. Jesus brings us not "a" truth, but "the" truth. And in doing so has revealed His Father to us. In today's world, we have turned truth into a marshmallow. We are told that we must tolerate many truths and that any truth we hold on to is not absolute. In fact, we are told, there are no absolute truths. But look at that last statement. Is that last statement itself not stated as an absolute truth?

Got a light?

John 1

English Standard Version (ESV)

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

The true light, Jesus, who shines the truth to all, came into the world. A world that he made. Yet the inhabitants of this world did not recognize their own creator. The word inhabitants is not in there, but I take that to be the inferred meaning. Or does it mean the world or universe itself (cosmos) did not recognize him? Even though at times the universe is given such characteristics (the rocks cry out, the universe groans) I find it hard to interpret such a meaning here. We, humans, did not recognize our creator. Perhaps because he did not meet our Godly expectations. He looked like one of us. And not even the greatest one of us at that. Even his own, which I take to mean the Jews, did not welcome Him. 

But some did. Somehow, some were able to see it. I still cannot help but think that that ability is a gift from God. I looked up the words translated "receive" in verses 11 and 12. It is interesting to note that they are not the same words. The first one means something along the lines of "associate with," as in his own would not even associate with him. The second carries the idea of "taking what is one's own," or "making something your own." Add that to the idea of believing, trusting, putting our confidence in Him, and you have salvation, here expressed as a right to become a child of God.

So here comes the struggle for many. This was not accomplished by blood. I take this to mean that salvation is not an inherent right just because you were born human. Throws a wrench in the whole universalist theology of salvation of all mankind. And, this was not accomplished by the will of the flesh (will can also be translated choice) nor of the will of man. I find it interesting that flesh and man are both listed, as if a specific point was being made here. Your flesh did not choose this, neither did you. It was God's choice. 

Thought for the Day: Salvation is more than just a head knowledge, and likely also much more than even a mere association with Jesus (so much for all those Sunday School Perfect Attendance pins!) I, too, like Amy Farrah Fowler, am baffled by the notion of a deity who takes attendance. Salvation is us making Jesus our own. A relationship that has a certain level of depth as well as dependence. It implies a level of confidence and trust. And perhaps that is something that is out of our reach, without the help of God Himself.

Anyone got a light?

John 1

English Standard Version (ESV)

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

God sent a man named John. I like that the meaning given for John is "God is a gracious giver." Truly what can be thought of as a more gracious gift, than the gift that John was sent to proclaim. John came to bear witness to the light. I find that amazing. Jesus was light, yet the darkness of man was so deep, that the light itself needed proclamation to be seen. John himself was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light.

Thought for the Day: How was it that John was able to bear witness to the light? This had to come to John as a gift from God Himself. And Matthew sheds some light on this when he tells us that even before birth, when his mother met the mother of Jesus, John leapt for joy in the womb. It was not an education that led John to do what he did, but the Holy Spirit. We are but human, in darkness. Our only hope is found in Jesus, the true light of the world. Our prayer should be that the Spirit will reveal Him to us, that we would not quench the Spirit, but submit to that revelation.

What if?

What if I could read the Bible without preconception? I find that easier said than done. I have, as I believe we all are, somewhat ruled by how we perceive things to be. But what if I just read the Bible for what I could glean from it in spite of my preconceptions? Maybe along the way I would find some challenging thought that might help me grow. So I want to try and apply this as I read through the Gospel of John. What is God trying to teach me, through the Holy Spirit, as I trust in His word? Your thoughts and comments are always appreciated.

John 1

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

So in the beginning there was the Word, Logos, which I interpret as a manifestation of Christ. This then tells me that Christ has always been in existence, and is in fact God Himself. As I currently understand it, a part of a mysterious trinity that encapsulates who God is. A part of, yet independent of in some way, for it says that He (the Word) was with God. How can I be with myself? So perhaps there is a togetherness along with an independence? Yet there is only one God. Jesus affirms this when He states that He and the Father are one. Confusing. Perhaps I don't need to understand all there is to know about this.

And all things were made through Him (the Word). And also in Him was life, and our very cause for existence. That's how I take the word "light," because light gives understanding. Without light in a dark room, we wander about not knowing if we will trip over something, run in to a wall, or other such happenstance. The Word gives life purpose and meaning, because it gives understanding. 

The light shines in the darkness. When the light is on, the darkness goes away. In this case I take the darkness to be a lack of understanding. Darkness does not overcome light, light overcomes darkness. You can't go into a room and turn on darkness, you create darkness by turning off the light. I like the KJV rendering of the word "overcome." It translates it "comprehended" which leads to a somewhat different understanding of verse 5. Instead of the darkness not being able to overcome the light, the darkness cannot even understand the light. I think of people with whom I have had conversations about many issues, and it seems like sometimes they cannot even imagine things I might speak of. Or I think of Jesus and His dealings with the religious leaders of the day. They just could not comprehend things being the way that He said they were. 

Thought for the Day: I don't want to live in darkness. Jesus has appeared as a light in the darkness. So if I want to escape the darkness of my own self, I have to let go of my humanity and try to grasp what the God of the Universe is doing through His Son. That is not an easy task!

The Prodigal Son had to face death

In Sunday School last week, the story of the Prodigal Son was brought up. The leader mentioned how the people of the area would have viewed him. He insulted his father when he left, and went and lived among the gentiles, fed the pigs, etc. Upon returning to his father, he must have looked a mess. The people of his hometown surely would have rejected him, right?

I think it a little more intense than that. I think they would have wanted to stone him. He basically told his father he wished he were dead when he asked for his share of the inheritance before his father's death. Folks back then took a pretty harsh view of such actions. Not only that, but he made himself an outcast and unclean with the lifestyle he chose. So coming back was not an option, for those who welcomed him back would have made themselves unclean as well.

Just like God did when he bore our sins on Himself. So when Jesus tells us that we must die to ourselves and pick up our cross (daily), think of the prodigal. He came back to face death. He humbled himself, wishing only to be like a hired servant, knowing that he had no right of his own to be a member of the family again.

But the father took the shame on himself and welcomed him. He embraced him. Wow!

Galatians 6:17-18

¹⁷ From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

I find it interesting that Paul refers to the marks on his body, calling them the marks of Jesus. This, after he rebukes those in Galatia who thought the bodily mark of circumcision should be held in such high regard. But this is different on so many levels. Circumcision was a ritual mark that was for all men. Paul's marks were unique to him, a result of his calling.

When he calls them "the marks of Jesus," it is almost as though he was given those marks by Jesus Himself. While at first this sounds crazy, remember that the apostles also rejoiced for being counted as worthy to receive the beatings they were given as they left the ruling Jewish body. (Acts 5:40-42)

Paul closes by wishing them the grace of Jesus. It is grace that binds us, and Paul knew this. It is grace that changes us, and Paul knew that. It is grace that saves us, and Paul knew that too.

It just doesn't make sense.

Galatians 6:11-16

¹¹ See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. ¹² It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. ¹³ For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. ¹⁴ 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. ¹⁵ For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. ¹⁶ And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

So does Paul's life make sense to anyone, if in fact he had not been convicted of the truth of the Gospel?

Does it make sense for Paul to give up his future, his prestige, his lineage, his role as a fast moving higher up in order to be beaten, face death, etc. if something (like the Holy Spirit) had not gripped and shaken his beliefs to the core? Would anyone give up what he had for what he got in return? Outside of the eternal realm of his reward, I can't see it.

Does it even make sense for Paul to have taken such a position at all? Wouldn't he have naturally been one of those who would have joined in with the circumcision crowd, even if he were convinced by a Christian that Jesus was the Messiah?

Listen to Paul's words. Outside of the deep conviction from the Holy Spirit, how would he, how could he come to understand that outside of the cross of Jesus, nothing else counts?

And what about us? Where do we stand and where does it come from? Was it our own logic that led us to this place? Paul is not alone in the apparent insanity of his conclusions. Many have died, sacrificed, been martyred since then. Where is the logic to it all? Or does the Holy Spirit just need to grab us and reveal the truth to us?

Peace to all who walk by this rule, the rule that says that the cross of Christ is everything, and I am nothing. Peace, which can only come when we realize that we are not of this world, but are rather a new creation. Praise God for this. Amen!

Does Paul believe in Karma?

Galatians 6:7-10

⁷ Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. ⁸ For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. ⁹ And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. ¹⁰ So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Ever hear of Karma? That idea that "what goes around, comes around?" I have heard people use this verse to support such ideas. I emphatically do not think that is what this verse is saying.

What you sow you will reap, that is the promise here. So if you sow to please the flesh, you will reap corruption. That is because the flesh and the ways of the flesh are corrupt. Even if what you do is a good thing, if it is done to please the flesh, it will be corrupt. That is where this differs from karma. Karma says that your deeds will come back to you, good deeds will return in good things, and bad deeds will return in bad things. I would love to see the scientific research on this, but I digress.

But if we sow to the Spirit, we will reap eternal life. Not, if we do good, good will be done to us. Rather, if we sow our seeds to please the Spirit, rather than the flesh, then eternal life is what is in store for us. Not because we have done good things, but because we get it! Because our actions are guided by the Spirit of God rather than our own pleasure.

So do good then, not because you want to plant a seed that will be returned 1 fold or 10-fold (or whatever fold someone tells you) on earth (as some prosperity folks would believe and have you to believe), but do good because you desire to please the Spirit. It might not go well! But don't grow weary, don't tire of doing good and maybe not seeing that good returned to you. Just do good because it pleases God. And do good to all, but especially to your brothers in the faith.

God judges that heart, not the deeds. Karma has no such discretion.

Hug a teacher

Galatians 6:6

⁶ Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 

Encouragement, that is what I see in verse 6. I work in education. Currently I process data and do other such work. But occasionally I get the opportunity to get back into the classroom. Like this week, where a couple of teachers asked me to come in and share a math lesson with their students. After 30 minutes or so, having the teacher thank-you or the students smile and share something new they took out of that time puts a smile on my face.

Christianity is not easy. At least not if it is done right. Joyful, yes, but not easy. Turning the other cheek carrying our cross can be wearisome, and I think even Jesus would agree. But those victories along the way, like having someone who is taught share with the teacher, "Yes, here is how what you have said to me makes a difference!" can be very powerful. Teachers don't always get to see the fruits of their labors.

Who has taught you? How can you share to brighten their day?

This is Christianity

Galatians 6:1-5

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.

What if you see someone sinning, what do you do? This is such a loaded question, because it does not define sin (transgression). For some, it would mean taking a drink of alcohol, or going to an "R" rated movie, or wearing a shirt that shows to much cleavage or smoking a cigarette, or questioning something that the preacher has said. I am not so sure that is the kind of transgressions this is speaking of. It is not about being the "Spiritual police." In fact, it goes on to say that "you who are spiritual should restore him." Wow! Talk about a passage that is open for abuse! Didn't the Pharisees consider themselves spiritual? What does it mean, "you who are spiritual? And notice that even the spiritual are open to temptation.

What I think this means is that if we see someone who is doing something that goes against the fruit of the Spirit, someone who is abusive or thinks that their freedom in Christ gives them the right to behave in any manner, then one who understands the truth of the gospel should take them under their wing and seek to bring them back to the truth of the gospel in a loving and caring manner. The caution here is a valid one, because in doing this, you might be tempted and pulled away by their sin, by their lifestyle. This is Christianity, that we are not just concerned about our own salvation, but that we care for our brothers as well. We bear their burdens as our own, we place ourselves in their shoes, because that is what Christ did for us. We fulfill the law of Christ in doing this because it shows that we love one another.

But don't get the big head. Wearing the title "spiritual" (or deacon, elder, pastor, etc.) does not make you anything special in the eyes of God. We are all of Christ, all a part of the body, and no one part can function or exist on its own, so don't think of yourself as so important. If you do, you are only fooling yourself.

So test your work, evaluate your purpose, and remember that when you will answer to God it will be for your choices, and not what your brother has done or how they have responded to you.

A little advice...

Galatians 5:25-26

²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Last post talked about living by the Spirit. These two verses offer some interesting thoughts.

First, is that if we live by the Spirit, we will keep in step with the Spirit. At first, I think, "Well, duh!, isn't that obvious?" But then I think again. I am a child, and God is the Father. Can my children keep up with me if I don't sometimes slow down and wait? And that is a beautiful thought, that God my Father patiently watches me, and waits for me was I try to keep pace with Him.

Another thought over this same idea is that of a runner training for a race. If I want to be successful, I have to push myself. Keeping in step with the Spirit is not always an easy task.

The second idea is found in verse 26. We are so human, and as such, we tend to take pride in our successes, even when we are not completely responsible for them. Don't believe me? Think of your favorite sports team, the one you have on your t-shirts and wall of you den and etc. Was was the last time you scored a basket (or field goal, or home run, depending on the sport) for them? Yet how do you feel when they are successful? So to combat our crazy pride in that which God has done for us, Paul offers the reminder to not become conceited. Conceit provokes. And don't envy. It's not about you.

I need a really big hammer...

Galatians 5:16-24

¹⁶ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions,divisions, ²¹ envy,^[d] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴ And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

What does it mean to "walk by the Spirit?" I guess in part, that depends on your theology, and how much of a choice you have in the matter. I believe that we do possess certain choices, while God orchestrates the big picture. So walking by the Spirit is a choice that the Christian must make, and the goal is for the Christian to experience a greater joy and closer relationship with God by intentionally seeking Him. And the closer that relationship, the lesser our desire to do those things that would lessen that joy.

The flesh and the Spirit are at war. The Bible makes that clear. And I am flesh, so my desires are at war with the Spirit. As a being of flesh, I am out to please myself. But as a being of flesh, I am also blind to the things of the Spirit, and the joy that can be found in surrender and obedience.

I don't want the word obedience to be misinterpreted. It is not about following an external set of rules. If we are in submission to the Spirit, we are not under the law. But because of our relationship, our love, our joy, we will not do things that go against the Spirit.

The fruits of the flesh are obvious. Or at least they would be if we weren't so blind. So Paul lists them for us in case there was any doubt. The fruit of the Spirit should be obvious too. But again, just in case there is any doubt, Paul lists them. These are not a law, but rather a fulfillment of a relationship with God.

He closes with this statement: "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." That doesn't sound optional. But then I read about the struggle with the flesh in Romans. We are not yet perfect, but we cannot take our walk with the Spirit lightly.

If we are struggling with this, I am reminded of a mechanic's saying that somewhat applies here. "If at first you don't succeed, a bigger hammer is what you need." Excuse me, while I run to the hardware store.