In an age of sound bytes and scrolling headlines, we don’t get much practice following the trail of a complex argument. This doesn’t do us any favors when it comes to reading much in general, but definitely when it comes to the Bible specifically.
Paul has been making an argument using a substantial number of words to get to the point in chapter 5, verse 1. Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. There it is. The whole point. The sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross has set you free from slavery to the law, or any form of earning your salvation. For the Galatians, the problem was that someone was disparaging Paul and convincing them that they had to keep the full law from Leviticus for their salvation. While this isn’t the exact problem we deal with – the temptation to forget that salvation is 100% about grace and 0% about earning it is all too real.
We all want to measure up. This is totally normal, but the more we know Jesus, the more we understand that we measure up only because of Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. You may look around and see other people who don’t know Jesus who are doing a pretty good job, from the outside looking in. But guess what – they are none of your business. The work that God is doing in you in his infinite wisdom and grace is all you need to worry about. You are enough, not compared to anyone else, not because of anything you do – but because you are known and loved by God, and you have chosen to let Jesus’ work on the cross be enough. Now that you’re free, don’t get tied up again in slavery to the world.
For reflection:
- If you have time, check out these passages today, to remind yourself that you are enough because of God’s love for you. John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 4:7-18; Psalm 23
- Spend some time considering the ways you tend to try to be enough. Offer those things up to God and ask for forgiveness and a reminder that he loves you.