The book of Galatians begins with an introduction and greeting like many other letters written by the apostle Paul. In the first five verses, Paul opens by reminding the Galatians that he was made an apostle or disciple through Jesus rather than through man. This is actually really important because it reminds us of Paul’s God-given authority and calling to proclaim to us the good news of Jesus. He also extends grace and peace to the Galatians and praises God for delivering us from our sin through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.

What an awesome opening! So far, it sounds like we’re off to a great start of what feels like an encouraging letter.

Enter verse 6.

Here, Paul has some strong words for the Galatians! He expresses his astonishment that they have so quickly turned from Christ because they have trusted in a different gospel than the one he preached.

Wow! Those Galatians must have had some issues, right? Well, what if I told you we do the same thing? I’ll give you an example from my own life.

I first came to know Christ when I was 12 years old, and ever since then I’ve always aimed to live my life in a way that honors and pleases God. This meant that when opportunities arose to serve Christ and His church where my gifts fit, I would say yes. For me this looked like serving in worship ministry and on mission trips—both of which eventually led to an opportunity to help plant a church in Canada, where I lived for four years and served as a worship leader.

Well, a little over two years ago, I started experiencing vocal issues. It got bad enough that eventually I lost my passion for leading worship as I grew frustrated in my inability to do my job the way I wanted. This led to burnout. God had to lovingly show me that my health was no longer in a place that allowed me to serve well, and He called me to move back to the Bible Belt near my family so that He could teach me how He is the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep (Psalm 23).

So, how does my story relate to Paul’s harsh words to the Galatians? Well, as I began to lose my voice, the Holy Spirit began to reveal to me just how much I had grown to trust in my abilities for my identity. I had even placed some of my identity in being a missionary for a church plant in another country. But once God began to strip those things away from me, I realized He was inviting me into a greater opportunity to trust in Him for my identity and as my true rest and purpose.

In a sense, I had unknowingly begun to believe a different gospel. I had begun to believe that my works for Jesus and what I had to offer Him mattered more than actually being with Jesus and trusting He was Who He said He was. I think that’s why my inability to sing and lead worship led to burnout—I was so invested in my ability that once it was gone, I felt lost.

Looking back, though I’m still in the middle of vocal struggles, I can see God’s stripping away of those things as an act of kindness. Perhaps Paul’s hard words to the Galatians here (and to us) are a kindness in forcing us to ask who/what we’re actually believing in and resting on.

Reflection:

• With my story, I shared how even something with noble intention can get in the way of the truth God has for us. My question for you today is, are you believing the gospel? Are you believing that God loved you enough that while you were still His enemy He sent His Son Jesus to live a sinless life on earth, die on the cross for your sins, and raise again to life on the third day so that sin would no longer have dominion over you if you believe in Him? That it’s not by your own works that you are saved but through faith in Christ? Or are you believing in a Gospel contrary to this—that you need Jesus plus good works, or Jesus plus a spotless reputation, or—to be frank—Jesus plus anything else? Are you putting your identity in your own gifts or in God’s love for you that was proven on the cross? Take a few moments to reflect on this and be honest with yourself and with God.
• Paul goes on in verse 7-8 to talk about how some people made it their aim to trouble and distort the Gospel to the Galatians. He even warns Galatians to not listen to himself or angels from heaven if they preach a different Gospel! I don’t know about you, but if an angel from heaven appeared, wouldn’t it be tempting to believe whatever it said? Yet Paul stands firm, cursing anyone who preaches a false Gospel. Take a moment to identify and take inventory of the voices you allow to speak into your life. Are there any that speak false truths or false gospels in your life that you’re allowing to influence the way you think, speak, and act? Take inventory of whether or not they are drawing you closer into God’s truth or further away. Ask God to help you identify those voices that are speaking truth in love and lean into them this week.

Family Content: 7 Marks of Discipleship

Challenge: One of the seven marks of a disciple is daily essentials. Daily essentials are things we try to practice every day that help us follow Jesus, love Him, and be changed by Him. A part of daily essentials is reading your bible and praying. Daily devos are a great place to start with daily essentials. We can read the Bible and pray.

Prayer: God, I love You. Thank You for loving me even though I did nothing to deserve it. Help me follow You every day. Amen.