Text: Galatians 1:10
Am I now seeking human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Paul has just showed his disappointment around the fact that some are following a "different gospel" which he says does not exist. There is one Good News! There are many things, issues, people, teachings, etc. that can sway us or move us into lives that may seem quite "good" "upright"...and the like. Then again, I keep remembering the way we look at the way set before us by our God. What are the weighter items of God's Reign? Mercy, Justice, loving kindness. In fact, in the face of all the attempts to make ourselves into some kind of "religious good person" there is the ongoing call that continues through the line of the prophets, into & through the life of Jesus, and in the early letters of Paul - it will seek a unified house...no division...the welfare of all. Paul and all the prophet, remember, were not on a journey of mere spiritual enrichment...it was enrichment only as it enriched the way we live in the world. We can make it in this world if we are able to please people...we can even make it big. On the other hand, we can have peace as we stay close to the way our God calls us - and then "making it" doesn't even become an issue. Instead, we may find ourselves concerned about the vision in which all people begin to "make it."
Connection: Driving force. If we are moved by people pleasing or pleasing our God in response to God's love, our day will unfold in front of us. What do you want to have lifted up to the world around you when it unfolds? Jesus would keep pushing for mercy...and the rest,
O God of our ancestors, you have been the rock for those in need and the guide to show them through the day's happenings. Be with us this day. Remind us of the foundation you have laid down for your people before all other builders stepped onto the scene. Amen.
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