"Tell them that it's human nature" A study of Galatians (Day 5 question 4)

 

"Did you suffer so many things in vain--if indeed it was in vain?" Galatians 3:4

Remember with me-- February 2020.   We were just hearing whispers of the pandemic, and within a month, our lives changed surreally.  Schools closed, churches met by zoom, businesses closed, the world stayed home if they could.  (Shout out once again to the essential workers, your sacrifice is still appreciated!!)  Because we were stuck at home, we often ate out of boredom.  The eating schedule went something like this--Breakfast, second breakfast, lunch, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, supper, midnight snack...The weight gain was given the nickname "Pandemic 15".  

But not me....Right after the 2020 Super Bowl Party but before the stay-at-home orders came in, I joined Weight Watchers.  Between February and September, I lost 25 pounds.  There was some suffering involved—I had to detach myself from the mindset that everyone else was embracing.  But it felt good.  Because we didn't see each other as often, people noticed more than they might have otherwise.  But 4 almost 5 years later, ask me where those 25 lbs are.  (Or maybe don't. Just guess. Quietly. To yourself. 😅😅)

I gained most of them back.  Why? Why? Human nature.  We are committed for a time, but it's hard to be committed for ever.  We are easily distracted, easily swayed.  I KNEW I needed to lose weight, I BREATHED in all the information, I took it to HEART, and I WORKED at it.  I let myself be distracted, swayed away from my commitment.  There's no one to blame but myself.  

The Galatians experienced suffering to get where they are in their spiritual lives.  The Galatians were likely barbarian warriors who practiced sorcery and special magic.  (Googled it.)  To leave such a culture of darkness would take some commitment.  It would have influenced them and their behavioral, social, physical emotional, mental, and spiritual health.  Although Jesus had rescued them from this present evil age (Gal 1:4), they still had to live IN this present evil age.  They probably also faced severe persecution for their choice to stop serving the local gods, and to serve the Only God through His crucified Son, Jesus Christ.  

Paul comes across as so harsh in these questions, but it's only because he understands.  

"Then after 14 years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me.  I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seem influential) the gospel that I proclaim amond the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain." Galatians 2:1-2

To commit to Christ when He calls--accepting that He died to save you--is salvation.  Learning to live in such a way that untangles you from your human nature and conforms you into the image of Christ is sanctification.  Did the Galatians detach themselves from the only dark religion they've ever known and endure harsh persecution to follow Jesus, only to embrace the man-made laws that some false teachers were feeding them?  Was their decision in vain; had Paul labored over them in vain?  They are easily swayed and distracted.  But Paul teaches them and teaches them and teaches them.  He reminds them that walking away from Christ is walking back into slavery.  Salvation has cost them nothing, sanctification will cost them everything. (Jen Wilkin)  When we think we know what better than God, we are sowing to our own flesh, our own human nature. That leads to corruption.  When we walk by the Spirit, trusting Him to lead us us on the correct path, we are sowing to Him.  That harvest is eternal life.  Do not be deceived, God is not mocked.  He cannot be distracted or swayed.  It's His way.  No other.  

I am 25 pounds heavier today than I was 4 years ago. The  keychains I received from Weight Watchers that hung like little trophies to remind me of my success have been taken down and thrown away. The sacrifice brought me happiness for a time, but not for ever. To look at me now, the sacrifice was in vain.  That's the battle of human nature.  But not in God's economy.  Jesus paid it all for our salvation.  We are not paying Him with our works to earn it.  We work for Him because we love Him.  Because we want to be LIKE Him.  Because we are grateful to Him. Follow Him in salvation, and then follow Him in sanctification.  Don't give up.  He loves us.