Todays Reading : Galatians 6
We have come to the conclusion of the letter to the Galatians and Paul closed the letter in a different fashion from the previous reviewed texts. The final words of Paul are to remind the church of Galatia to “Do good deeds” and “ Remember you are free”. Throughout the book of Galatians, Paul is reminding the church to remember that they have been purchased and freed from the bondage of sin and strictness of the law. There is a two-fold order that we are presented here from Paul: Remember that you have been saved and know the true gospel and continue to do the righteous deeds in spite of the criticism you are receiving.
Paul is writing to a people that have been the subject of scrutiny for several years and the word has been returned to Paul that several individuals want to create a hierarchy of old believers and new believers have compromise the work that Paul established during his mission. There is constant bickering about who is more Christian or who is more established in the faith. When you realize this battle has been going on for several decades, it become more evident of the final words that Paul imparts to the church in Galatians 6: 7-10, are difficult for the people to understand in the flesh, but it takes the Spirit to comprehend.
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
As a reflection on our current state of our country and society, I believe that these parting words are valid today as it was in Paul’s time. We have to allow the Spirit to work in us, so that a good work can be produced and God’s presence can be witnessed.
Dear Heavenly Father, let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, that you ordain, we will reap a harvest IF we do not give up. Amen