The Apostle Paul was faced with a great task when he wrote to the people in the area of Galatia. He had to be very careful with his words, for the people were very adept at changing their minds on things, to suit them in any situation. Or by adding to the truth, making them appear better, and thinking that was better. Fickle we would call them today, and it is just as prominent now as it was then, or maybe more so. Look at how fashion trends come and go, and how the trendy live precariously as to the next trend. What if I am not dressed right? How will I get by? What will my friends think? What will I do with last month's boots? MOM! Watching some MX races last weekend Honda seemed to be the ride of choice, but there were also some KTM's in one class that seemed to dominate. One day ride red, then fade to orange, then the next year Suzuki yellow, or is it Kawasaki "Mean Green?" How can it be that the fickleness of the mall types has taken over the dirt tracks of America? Like, duh? Sadly it is all cosmetic, as nothing is usually done to improve the rider, or the mall rat. They think they are perfect-their only flaw. Question-does this sound like your church? Teaching other people's books from the pulpit, but not God's? Can anyone improve on the gospel? Was God waiting for you or your denomination all these years so He could change lives? You may be surprised what others see in your religion. And it may not be Jesus! Trendiness in churches ain't the gospel.
So Paul was faced with similar attitudes when dealing with the Galatians. And he had to be careful to speak "the truth," and not just "a truth." Being fickle meant being religious, and being religious meant adding something to the gospel. And in doing so, turning it into a lie with the added words, or ideas. It was Jesus and keep this rule, Jesus and observe this holiday, or Jesus and honor this person. The key word adding religion, and denying the saving power of Christ was the word "and"! Still prevalent today, and still as destructive. With one exception-believe in your heart, AND confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and you shall be saved! Express the inward change by an outward action! It is not Jesus and wear this underwear as some cults say, it is not Jesus and only this day is he true Sabbath as another one claims. It is not Jesus and distribute our newspapers, and depend on education to be saved, maybe-it is Jesus, and only JESUS!
So Paul had to be careful so others did not interpret his words for their own good-or own religion. And we have to be careful today, too. Guaranteed, anything you say will be twisted around and used against you-the devil even tried it on Jesus, so speak only THE truth! Keep Jesus the only agenda, and give Him all the glory and credit. I watch as people rise to prominence in one area, get prideful, and think they can do it all. And when others follow them, they are all led to destruction. You didn't heal anyone-it was God. You didn't have any wisdom, it is God! And you are not THE way, Jesus is! A simple gospel, so that you can explain it. And it is not your responsibility to change the heart-only Jesus Christ changes life-you don't, can't, won't, and shouldn't try! Let God do His work! Quote Him, not some man!
The music world is full of one hit wonders, who are known for a certain song, then dumped for the next one in line. Don't let your Christian walk suffer like that! Be careful in who you believe! Know in whom you believe! Remember it was the same crowd that called for Jesus' crucifixion that only one week earlier honored Him as King. Your ideas may be stylish today, but will they stand the test of time-the next day? Jesus was not a one hit wonder, He is wonderful! His song for over 2000 years still leads the charts of salvation! It is still sung in every language, every tongue, written in all languages, and is the standard of heaven.
Are you serving a one hit wonder God? Is your appearance more important than what's inside you? Do you follow the trends instead of the Bible? Does your religion leave you empty and desiring more? If confronted, can you explain how Jesus changed your life? Try this-a two minute testimony. 30 seconds of life before Christ, 30 seconds of your testimony, and 60 seconds of the change after. We are told that it is by His blood, and the word of your testimony you are saved-share it with others. For no one knows your testimony better than you. No one can deny it-it is true. And it is a gospel you know better than the gospel. It is that personal. Don't be afraid to share it-using words when needed. And when using words, use the words of Jesus, and in love.
Trends will change, aren't you glad that God doesn't? No new revelations, no new ages, and no new religions. No book tours or telethons needed. Find what you are looking for in Jesus-the truth! For like a used motorcycle, last years model is never worth what you paid for it when it comes time to trade. Never say "Mike said," or "my pastor says," only quote Jesus! Please God and not man. Be warned-for many will try to lead you astray. Salvation is only found through and in Jesus Christ! Stick with what you know to be true, and don't trade it for something you don't know. Don't let the fickle finger of fate lead you to destruction! And next time you feel holier than thou, give it the empty tomb test. His is empty. He is resurrected. And I have these nine inch nails I would like you to try. Now do you see what I mean?
love with compassion,
Mike
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