Living in the Spirit

July 1, 2022

Scripture Reading:

Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16

See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.—Galatians 6:11-16

Why do people seem to think their way of worshipping God is the only way or the right way? If God created each of us as individuals, doesn’t it just make sense that there would be as many ways of celebrating God in our lives, demonstrating God in our lives as there are people? Indeed, we cluster with people like us, but we can and must be open to the unique nature of others who love God and more importantly are loved by God just as much as each of us is.

Why do we feel called to police the lives of others, to even impose our belief systems on them within our civil governance in a land that prides itself on the separation of church and state?  We are called to share the love of God with others. I have been helped by others who suggested ways of being a better me and hope that I have helped others in the same way. In the final analysis, however, we are responsible for establishing and building our relationship with God, examining ourselves to better sync with God. We never know when a person with whom we are interacting will give us the very thing that helps us take a closer walk with God and hopefully we serve that role for others.

Prayer: Lord, help us realize our relationship with you opens the doors to loving others without judging them. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.