Via TJC
“Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” Galatians 3:3 (NIV)
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Rom 12:2
Let’s start today off with a question:
When you think of God, do any of the following come to mind?:
O What you can do for God.
O Being right.
O The measure is Right vs. Wrong.
O All the bad things I now avoid.
O Wash my hands from the bad stuff in this world.
If you checked any of the above then Congratulations, you are living a religion like the rest of this world. Even for Christians living by rules is a very easy trap to fall into.
Let me explain. The word “religion” derives from the Latin “religio” (n), which is an obligation or bond, essentially being bound to a set of rules. Finding “righteousness” by binding to a set of rules is how all other religions work, and can often find its way into our own Christian life (especially as “self-righteousness”).The religions of this world are about “What man can do” and Christianity is about “What God HAS DONE”.
So, How to avoid this very common trap?
I found the following chart has helped greatly in sustaining relationships, whether inside the home or out. As I find myself (and others at home) drifting to the left, I look to move us to the corresponding part on the right. It is so important that if we had kids at home, I would print it as a reminder to incorporate it into our daily lives.
Purpose of Spiritual Disciplines is to Grow in our connection with God.
God wants us to flourish, but He doesn't care about our accomplishments; He cares most about our relationship with Him. It is only from our relationship with Him that we can positively impact the relationships with our neighbors and society.
Here is another phrasing of today’s anchor verse, from the Phillips translation:
“O you dear idiots of Galatia, who saw Jesus Christ the crucified so plainly, who has been casting a spell over you? I will ask you one simple question: did you receive the Spirit of God by trying to keep the Law or by believing the message of the Gospel? Surely you can’t be so idiotic as to think that a man begins his spiritual life in the Spirit and then completes it by reverting to outward observances? Has all your painful experience brought you nowhere? I simply cannot believe it of you! Does God, who gives you his Spirit and works miracles among you, do these things because you have obeyed the Law or because you have believed the Gospel? Ask yourselves that.” Galatian 3:3
Daily Battle Order: You all know that, “it's not about rules, but about relationships (stupid).”
But it is easier to say and harder to do. Above is what our family has found to try to stay out of the rules trap.
Don’t be like the foolish Galatians.
Find what works for your own family, and then do it.
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