June 24th - Reflection

Galatians 5:7-12 (NRSV)

Beware of false teachers
You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? Such persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. I am confident about you in the Lord that you will not think otherwise. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. But my friends, why am I still being persecuted if I am still preaching circumcision? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves!

Reflection
Ouch! But Paul has it right here. This is an extreme measure. All is at stake. If we cheapen the cross by adding a ritual to salvation, then it's no longer what God has done through Jesus, it's what God did through Jesus plus what we do to be good enough for God.

Through Jesus death on that cross alone do we reach divine redemption. Otherwise salvation is no longer grace but something we need to earn.

It seems we always get in the way of ourselves. We want to justify ourselves by our actions and our goodness. God wants to justify us through his son Jesus. And that's how it is. It's through Jesus. But we just can't stand to take something for nothing.

Take it! Take it and you'll see how your life changes. The goodness comes through a freedom to express that same love Jesus expressed on that cross. Stop worrying about that "goody two shoes" stuff. Through grace something much better occurs all on it's own and not because of any effort you apply.

The Spirit works through you. The Spirit moves you. The Spirit invades your body and life and joy abound. Joy even in the midst of a sinful, painful, world. Joy takes over in death. It's the most amazing change you'll ever experience. So let go and let it happen. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, take my life and make it yours. Take it! Thanks be to God! --- Amen