Has anyone ever been bugged with you—really steamed—and not wanted to listen to you because you say that God has withheld His favor from you, even a smidgeon, but you believe you can earn His favor by doing something really holy? Has anyone ever contacted you to tell you that you’re a hair follicle away from being stupid because you believe that God has held back blessing from you, but there’s a way you can get right with God and induce Him to open the windows of His otherwise locked storehouse? If so, then you’re amongst today’s Galatian church, a growing congregation! Congratulations. At least you know where you fit in.
(Now go read the book of Galatians, and find where you’ve been duped. Paul wrote a letter with your name on it, and the essential message is: Through Christ, you’ve been given absolutely everything with God for entirely nothing from you! Relax! Get used to being on the receiving end of things with God. That’s how He is with you.)
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Needed that one, thanks Ralph!
ReplyDeleteIf i woudl only not wear shorts or a bathing suit... i might find favor... mama SO VERY mia!
ReplyDeleteEvery which way I turn I hear this from an assortment of sources and because I am somewhat dense (oh) in a brilliant political incorrect way (cool) I actually "paused" today and in that moment asked myself, who lives in me...so once again Ralph, I slip up to your words of encouragement, and when no one is looking, I gobble them down: "Through Christ, you’ve been given absolutely everything with God for entirely nothing from you! Relax! Get used to being on the receiving end of things with God. That’s how He is with you.)"
ReplyDeleteI want to make sure I understand this: if someone has been bugged with me or told me I border on stupid because I erroneously believe law still applies to me, then I'm a member of the Galatian church? How do the two sides of the equation connect? Aren't I member of the Galatians by believing law still applies to me alone? Why does someone have to think I'm stupid for me to qualify?????
ReplyDeleteSue--The language I have used ("bugged," "really steamed," "a hair follicle short of stupid,") is meant to mirror the language Paul used in addressing the "foolish Galatians." They had been fooled into believing that they had not been made entirely well off with God through Christ, but they could improve their position by adhering to certain rules and laws, as you have suggested. My approach is meant to catch people's attention from a different angle, and to help them discover the truth.
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