Verse: ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭4:17-20‬ ‭
“Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!”

Devotion
In this passage, Paul is talking to the Galatian people with whom he had shared the good news of Jesus. As we see at the end of these verses, they had been persuaded by others who were quite diligent in telling them that, instead of trusting in Jesus, they should follow a different mindset and rules. Paul was upset and confused, because those that he knew had originally trusted in Jesus seemed to care more about this group of people and what they now thought.

This challenge from Paul is definitely applicable for our lives today. Very often, other people who don’t know Jesus want to win us over to follow them. They are zealous with their messages. But, it’s not for good, like Paul points out. It’s for their own pride and gain. Following these people also alienates us from those who can truly help us – the body of Christ – others who are trying their best to follow Jesus.

We may not always realize it, but messages against Jesus and His people are all around us. So, it’s wise to think twice about what we are hearing and the rules that others propose. For me, that means that I need to examine everything and ask The Lord what is true and lines up with following Jesus. I’m certainly not perfect at this. It’s often hardest when I have to think about those who are closest to me.

Regardless, I’ve found it helpful to bring what I hear from these sources to Jesus and ask Him what He thinks. The messages of politicians, musicians, sports teams, authors, political party members, co-workers, or even spiritual leaders are all around us. Some are in line with Jesus. Others are harmful and separate us from Him and the church.

I’d encourage you to prayerfully bring the messages you hear to The Lord through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and questions to your brothers and sisters in Christ. See what you hear back and listen with a heart directed by The Holy Spirit.

Prayer
Father God, please help us to only follow the path that you have for us through following Jesus. Give us discernment through your Holy Spirit. And please keep us close to others in the body of Christ. Amen.

Author: Chris Fraser