This past month I have had the opportunity to teach some small group lessons from the Book of Galatians. Paul is admonishing the Christians in the Galatian churches about the influence of the Judaizers and the increased importance Jewish customs and the Mosiac law are starting to play in their lives. From the tone and language of the letter, it is apparent that Paul was very disturbed, even angry, with the news he had received of the trend.
As I thought about why this might stir such strong feelings in Paul, I realized that today's Christians can allow pomp, procedure, and process to replace people. Sunday School can replace sick bed visits. Praise band performances preempt picking up a neighbor for church. Tithing takes the place of being that shoulder for a distraught coworker.
There is value in much of what takes place within the church walls and the extracurricular activities of organized religions, but these must never overshadow a genuine love and love for others and having that love supported by action.
Be ever vigilant we do not become like those believers in the Galatian churches Paul chastised.
No comments:
Post a Comment