Galatians 2

We live in a hyphenated culture. Seldom is someone referred to by just one defining characteristic. If a US Senator is being interviewed she is not identified as Senator so and so. She is Senator so and so, Republican of Maryland or Democrat of New York. We see the same sort of thing for individuals as people are referred to as African Americans or Asian Americans or Italian Americans.

At one time the followers of Jesus were known as Christianoi, People of Christ. Over the centuries we have become Roman Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, Pentecostals, and Anglicans etc. Why all the denominations and non-denominations and differing local churches?

It’s all about control. With churches, it is a way of trying to hold onto our past and at the same time step into God’s Kingdom. This puts us in a dilemma. On one hand, the way churches are organized creates a temptation to think we are right and they are wrong and creates disunity in the Body of Christ. On the other hand, our churches in their present form are all we have. This reality creates a huge temptation for us to think we can just bring our Christian faith alongside of our cultural beliefs and try to blend them together.

How can we respond to this dilemma? First, don’t take your denominational or non-denominational doctrine and structure too seriously. The most important thing is to keep your eyes on Jesus. Paul told the Corinthians “that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17) He was more emphatic in what he told the Galatians. Not only is our old life gone, our old identity is dead. We have a new identity as the People of Christ. (Galatians 2:20)

You can purchase a new car and drive it home and park it next to your old car. Each day you can choose which one to drive. Or, you can trade-in your old car for a new car.

With cars you get to choose. With Christ you do not. With God only trade-ins are accepted. You trade in your old life for new life in Christ, and that is the only life you have.

What does today’s reading reveal to you about God?
What does it reveal to you about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do or remember about this passage.

Does God want you to change anything in your life?