September 18, 2018 Galatians 4:17

¹⁷ They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. (Gal. 4:17 ESV)

Nike shoes can make you run faster.  Red Bull can give you unliminted energy.  If you drive a Lincoln you will be as cool as Matthew Mcconaughey.  Isn't it comforting to know that all these huge conglomerations are so concerned about little ol' you and me?  They only want the best for us.

If you believe that, I have some ocean front property in Arizona I would love to sell you.

No matter how sincere Madison Avenue tries to make their clients appear, at the end of the day, what's best for the bottom line is the endgame.  We are but pawns in that game.  The early Christians in the churches in Galatia were being treated no differently.

The Judiazers were trying to corrupt the faith alone Gospel preached by Paul and steer the new converts back into the folds of Mosiac law.  Perhaps there was some concern for the individual, but most likely it was to reestablish the temple practices and Mosiac law which had made the Pharasiees powerful and merchants wealthy.  

But Paul reminded the Galatians that the only requirement for salvation was faith in Jesus Christ, his diety, perfect life, death and resurrection.  No works required.  No cermonies necessary.  Christ's gift was free for the asking.  

The ultimate payoff for acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior is an eternity with Him in heaven.  No more tears.  No more death.  No more worry.  But the Christian life is so much more than just a waiting room for heaven.

Jesus told his followers, "I came that (you) may have life and have it abundantly."  He not only wants to share an eternity with us, but also to live a joyful and fulfilled life while here on earth.  There is no hidden agenda.  No selfish plan in place.  

People look out for themselves.  Corporations are concerned with the bottom line.  But Christ lived and died for us.  He wants us to lie in green pastures and rest beside still waters.  His life and death were for us, not a bunch of stockholders.