One of the great themes of faith is the difference between religion and a relationship.  The Pharisees were all about religion, Jesus was interested in relationship.  Religion is characterized by rules and regulations, relationship is characterized by love.  Despite these clear differentiations, throughout history people have clung to religion over relationship.  The early church was no exception to this and Paul’s letter to the Galatians addresses this over and over.   Let’s look together at chapter 4 today.

8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11 I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you. 12 I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. 13 As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, 14 and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15 Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. 18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. 19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Paul doesn’t understand how the Galatians, who had embraced his message, are running so quickly back to the idea of the law.  Sometimes we are more comfortable with rules and regulations, systems and structure than we are with Jesus.  Jesus was a radical, He calls us to a radical lifestyle.  A lifestyle that is uncomfortable.  We are called to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us, to serve others selflessly and share God’s love with the world.  In many ways following a set of rules and regulations is easier, the problem is that it gets us nowhere.  Jesus calls us to a life changing relationship with Him and relationships with each other that are characterized by love.  May we boldly follow wherever He leads us!

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave