Today’s Reading: Galatians 6:11-18; Psalm 31

NOTICE WHAT LARGE LETTERS I USE AS I WRITE THESE CLOSING WORDS IN MY OWN HANDWRITING.
Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save. And even those who advocate circumcision don’t keep the whole law themselves. They only want you to be circumcised so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples. – Galatians 6:11-13

Paul wraps up his letter to the Galatians with the same topic he started with — the issue of circumcision. He wants the new Gentile believers to understand the motive behind those who insist that circumcision is a requirement of salvation. It is easy to get caught up in the popularity doled out by man and begin taking credit for the spiritual decisions of others.

Paul warns us not to become too proud or boastful about our walk or the fruit of our ministry. If we do, we will begin seeing our conduct, our job well done, as a result of our own strength and ability instead of a gift of the Spirit. We will start taking credit for how the Spirit is helping us to live a godly life, and for the impact our words and actions are having on the spiritual growth of others. We will quickly become drenched in self-righteousness instead of beautifully clothed in God’s righteousness.

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God. – Galatians 6:14-16

MY INTEREST IN THIS WORLD HAS BEEN CRUCIFIED, AND THE WORLD’S INTEREST IN ME HAS ALSO DIED.

Can you relate to this statement made by Paul? Are you over this world with its false promises, judgmental critiques and intolerance of Christianity? Have you noticed that the world is no longer interested in hearing what you think if your worldview does not match the newest philosophies of today’s culture? It’s okay because the only thing that truly counts is the transformation that the Spirit of God is doing in our hearts and minds. We no longer belong to this world; we belong to Jesus!

From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus. – Galatians 6:17

DON’T TROUBLE ME WITH THE OPINIONS OF THIS WORLD FOR I BELONG TO JESUS!

Dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. – Galatians 6:18

Remember how we started out the book of Galatians? We are saved by grace through faith and not by works. It is not our observance of religious laws or our faithful attendance at church that matters — it is the transformation that God does in our lives through His Spirit. When we truly empty ourselves of all of our own desires and allow Him to fill us with His, we become a new creation. Then we receive God’s peace and His mercy; then we are a new person of God and no longer a slave to our sinful nature or driven by the assessment of those around us. When our eyes are fixed on Jesus, our life begins to positively impact the lives of those around us.

WHAT IF TODAY GOD WANTS TO GREATLY AFFECT THE LIFE OF SOMEONE ELSE THROUGH YOUR LIFE?

Father God, help us to keep our eyes focused on you. May the opinions of the world no longer matter to us. Forgive us for our moments of pride and our love of popularity, and help us to only see the work you are calling us to do for your glory. May our loyalty remain to you and may we live each moment for you. Amen.

How great is the goodness
you have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
blessing them before the watching world.
You hide them in the shelter of your presence,
safe from those who conspire against them.
You shelter them in your presence,
far from accusing tongues.
Praise the Lord,
for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love.
He kept me safe when my city was under attack.
In panic I cried out,
“I am cut off from the Lord!”
But you heard my cry for mercy
and answered my call for help.
Love the Lord, all you godly ones!
For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him,
but he harshly punishes the arrogant.
So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord! – Psalm 31:19-24