Loving others is not about me

The Christians in Galatia had entangled themselves in a pattern of trying to establish their righteousness by keeping the Law of God. They didn’t say ‘We are saved by our own works’ because Satan knows how to put a lie into our hearts without being so easily detected. Only when Paul wrote to them was that lie exposed.

At least two major denominations teach that we are saved by grace, but only if we keep the law. Others put variations on this such as, ‘We are justified by grace alone, but sanctification comes by keeping the commandments.’ However it is phrased, both are trying to mix law and grace. In doing so, they deny the Gospel of salvation by grace alone.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)  

As I think about this, Satan can be even more subtle. He tells me that I am saved and being sanctified, but constantly is at me with stuff like “you are not good enough” or “try harder” pressuring me with the idea that pleasing God is about my performance.

Many people grow up with that idea. We want to please our parents and are praised when we behave. We want to please our peers and are accepted by them as long as we fit in. For me, it was pleasing my teachers by good grades and pleasing myself by accomplishments.

While obedience to God is the way to go, I need to be aware of my motivations. Who am I really trying to please? Who will get the glory in the end? Am I doing this for me because ‘me’ always likes to pat myself on the back?

Jesus came in perfect humanity not only to die for sin, but to show sinners what God intended when He created us. For Jesus, it was all about others. He fulfilled every law, every commandment, every ideal that God describes. This is how we express love to God by loving one another.

One of the ways to love others is this: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) This verse speaks of the law of Christ, but that law and that love is never about me or my performance. In other words, the love of Christ is not measured in how many pies I bake for the neighbors or how many orphans I support. It is measured by releasing all my I-wants to God and letting Him live out His live through me. It is living in the power of the Holy Spirit and doing what He says. It isn’t about what I want or my needs, but about caring for the needs of others because Christ takes care of me . . .

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus . . . .” (Philippians 2:1–5)

Just as the traits of others rub off on me when I hang around them, the mind of Christ becomes more and more evident as I hang around Him. I learn how to love by observing His lack of selfish ambition and conceit. He considers others more important than Himself. He listens to their hearts and meets all their needs. He loves and serves people, an expression of His perfection, not a way to gain it or prove it.

Bearing the burdens of others is not about worrying, or removing their responsibilities. It is sharing their load in whatever ways God has gifted me and blessed me with the resources to do so. By looking at Christ as the example, I see that love expressed in burden-bearing is also sacrificial. If I am in this for Jesus, it will cost me something rather than building up me or gratifying my pride. Just as He gives the description, the glory of love also always goes to its source — the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Jesus, Your Word is plain; we are to love one another. Because I have been born of God, You live in my heart and make possible that kind of burden-bearing love. This is how the world knows that God sent You. This also gives me confidence as I walk with You because this kind of love casts out all fear. This seems an odd prescription but I am thankful that Your remedies always bless Your people and glorify Your name!

Obeying God beats legalism

Legalism is the principle of strict adherence to law or rules to gain salvation. It is more about doing the letter of the law rather than obedience from the heart. It is like the child forced to sit down in the car but says, “I’m standing up on the inside.” Only a legalist seldom recognizes that they believe this doctrine or that they are trying to earn the favor of God. It is easily recognized by others because the legalist insists that everyone else must do what they do.

The doing part is usually not a bad thing though, just rules and restrictions that MUST be followed. Legalism could include: church attendance every time the doors are open, praying each day for at least an hour, women wearing hats to church, not playing games or going anywhere there is fun on Sundays, and a host of other thou shalt and thou shalt nots.

Paul wrote an entire letter (epistle) to the church in Galatia with strong words about legalism. In their case, one problem was the issue of circumcision. This practice identified the Jews as God’s people (obviously only the men) but is not part of what Christians do to identify themselves. Paul explained to the Galatians why those legalists were trying to get them to be circumcised.

For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. (Galatians 6:13–15)

When I read it this morning, I thought of the many legalistic attitudes that are current. Some insist that a pastor must wear a suit and tie on Sunday. Others insist that Christians must speak in tongues, or wear certain clothing, or never play card games, or only sing hymns, and so on. I re-read the above passage with those in mind . . .

“For even those who only sing the old hymns do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you agree with their preference that they may boast that you agree with them. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither singing hymns counts for anything, or singing choruses, or any other kind of singing because God is in the business of making a new creation out of sinners.”

Put that way, our preferences pale in the light of God’s power to give us a new heart. Out of that heart flows the love of God and a deep desire to share Jesus Christ with those around us. All our old ways and insistence on rule-keeping fades away as the new life brings peace and joy.

I want to please God, but cannot decide what pleases Him without listening to Him. As a writer once said, “Today you might be writing; tomorrow He may ask you to do something else.” That fits my escape from ‘rules’ into the freedom Jesus gives. This Sunday God may ask me to dress up and be in church, but if He asks me to quickly don some jeans and go to the hospital and share the Gospel with a dying friend, grace sends me there and legalism would be disobedience.

The interesting conclusion from these verses is Galatians is that if I spout, “You must do this to please God” by my very words I would be denying the truth of God. I would sin even when I just say it because pleasing God happens only by submitting to His will and not my own ideas!

God is Practical and Wise

Deuteronomy 23:1–25:19; 2 Corinthians 6:1–13; Psalm 39

Those who read the Old Testament laws and think “how restricting” might be surprised to see how practical they are. This morning, I notice a few, and am thinking that if Christians obeyed these laws (they were given to ancient Israel and most no longer apply except in principle), what a difference it would make in our modern world. Here are the ones that caught my attention . . .

“You shall not charge interest on loans to your brother, interest on money, interest on food, interest on anything that is lent for interest. You may charge a foreigner interest, but you may not charge your brother interest, that the Lord your God may bless you in all that you undertake in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.” (Deuteronomy 23:19–20) Any greed or tendency toward self-interest would be curbed if I had zero desire to make money on every financial transaction and on every loan made to others. (Jesus made it plain that these laws were not about curbing actions as much as they were about having a righteousness in my heart.”

“If you go into your neighbor’s vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes, as many as you wish, but you shall not put any in your bag. If you go into your neighbor’s standing grain, you may pluck the ears with your hand, but you shall not put a sickle to your neighbor’s standing grain.” (Deuteronomy 23:24–25) The principle again is about generosity. This law does not allow others to take advantage of my kindness, but at the same time, it means I cannot be stingy.

“When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be liable for any other public duty. He shall be free at home one year to be happy with his wife whom he has taken.” (Deuteronomy 24:5) This one doesn’t fit me, but it certainly applies to many couples. God is more concerned about strong marriages than he is about ‘work’ related obligations.

“You shall not oppress a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or one of the sojourners who are in your land within your towns. You shall give him his wages on the same day, before the sun sets (for he is poor and counts on it), lest he cry against you to the Lord, and you be guilty of sin.” (Deuteronomy 24:14–15) The horror of hold-backs happens. How many employees are in dire straits because their employers cannot or will not pay them what they have earned?

“You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.” (Deuteronomy 25:4) This one again shows that God’s laws are about my attitude just as much as they are about being fair and treating others with respect. What is an ox? They were used like a threshing machine or combine to separate the grain from the rest of the plant. If they were muzzled, they could not eat the grain. But they were doing all the work, and God wanted them to have a share in the profits. This verse says much about God too.

The NT reading adds to the reasoning behind thinking and acting in ways that God approves. It enhances our testimony to the world that we serve an amazing God whose heart is wide open to all . . .

We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also. (2 Corinthians 6:3–13)

The psalmist understood the brevity of life and the importance of focusing on what has eternal value. I could withhold all I have, build up a truckload of cash, hoard rather than be generous, but I know the brevity of life too. These words echo in my heart. I need to pay attention to God concerning what I do and how I think about my possessions and about the value of others. When people, even fools, look at me, God wants them to see His wisdom and glorify Him.

Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather! And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool! (Psalm 39:5–8)

Law-keeping is not the Gospel

Some claim to keep the commandments of God, and say if they do this or that, God will accept them, or if they don’t do this or that, God will not turn them away. Studying God and creation teaches me one important truth; the triune God has life, perfection, and all that He needs in Himself, including love. He didn’t need to create anything, but did so as a free choice. He made make people with whom He could share His glory, people who can enjoy an intimate relationship with Him.

Yet He does not need our love or response. He gave us the freedom to make that choice. It is vital to realize there is nothing anyone can do to make themselves more loved by God. His love is about who He is, not about who we are. To start with, His relationship with humans was perfect — until sin entered the picture.

Sin (basically going our own way) is an affront to the holiness and love of God. To help us see that, God gave precepts and laws to show us the extent of His standards. We have a concept of goodness, but His holiness transcends all our ideas. For that reason, we all fall short of His righteousness and . . .

For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. (James 2:10)

The moral law of God demands perfection. It does not make allowances for our strengths or weaknesses but remains the same for all people and for all time. Those who claim to keep the law or think that they are “good enough” are in the dark about the reach of this standard of God. Actually, the Apostle Paul called this condition of darkness as being spiritually dead. He says that sin separates people from God and deadens our understanding of biblical spirituality, even saying of himself . . .  

I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. (Romans 7:9)

When Paul realized this, the Spirit of God convicted him of sin, but before that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was to him a lie. He persecuted Christians because he determined their faith was in error. He was oblivious to the perfections God wanted.

But one day Jesus confronted this man and he became aware of his sinful condition. He fell on his face before God, aware of His need for mercy and grace.

This happened to me too, and when it did, Jesus came into my life and changed everything. After being a Christian for many years, I am still deeply aware of the impossibility of getting right with God or staying right with God through anything that I do. The law says that if I am going to go that route to become righteous, then I must be perfect. I must keep the whole law, without one failure. How impossible. Who can obey God to absolute perfection? Only Jesus did that, and that is why I must look to Him and only Him to rescue me.

As for the laws of God, I also see that their power includes an ‘if.’ He never coerces me. In one mood I wish He did, that He would make me do the right things. Yet in another mood I wish He would leave me alone. This shocks and saddens me, but only when I realized this battle in my heart between the flesh and the Spirit did I also realize my utter inability to make myself perfect. I know also that those who do not experience this inner tension are still “dead in their sin” and have not known the life-giving power of God.

I see in that battle a different kind of hope. Instead of thinking that I can be and do whatever pleases God, I realize that it is only by the gift of faith and of His presence in me that I can do anything. My flesh is useless and always falls short of His glory.

Abiding in Christ is vital. Without Him, I can do nothing. But abiding in Him is not a passive attitude. It means making deliberate choices to obey God in total dependence on Him for that obedience. Then, when I make those choices, He will “tax the remotest star and the last grain of sand” to come to my aid and make it happen. This obedience is not to save myself, but demonstrates that He is the One doing the saving. Hallelujah!

Law and love and wonder

In the Old Testament, the word “law” is the Hebrew word “torah.” It primarily means “direction, teaching, instruction.” This is not what we normally think when we use this word. For us, it is the regulations whereby a culture or government rules itself. When the law says I cannot drive faster than the posted speed limit, there is some instruction involved, but is mostly laying down a rule that if violated, I will have to pay a fine. The emphasis is “do this or else.”

While many people think that religion is the same, that is a whole bunch of “do this or else” laws, the law of God puts more emphasis on the spiritual principles for life that make life better, richer, more in line with what God had in mind when He created us. That means when God says, “Love your neighbor as yourself” He is not yelling, “If you don’t, you will pay” but implying (among other things) that “This is my ideal for your life.”

This is why the psalmist was excited about the Word of God and the laws of God. In them, he learned a higher kind of life, a greater way to be a human being. He knew that this body of learning was beyond his comprehension though. This is because sin blinds our understanding. For that reason, he prayed this…

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. (Psalm 119:18)

Today’s devotional reading says that conversion to Christianity is a great experience because when God opens our eyes to His law, this recreates the faculty of wonder. Even when His instruction comes with strong rebuke, it can be sweet, beautiful and fresh. Seeing life through the eyes of God opens to us a great wonder. Some say the sky is deeper blue, loved ones more precious. For me, the gospel steadily deepens my sense of wonder at all things around me and deepens my love for life itself.

I once thought life was a journey to enjoy and I dreaded death, but now life is the prelude to eternity and death is its doorstep. I once thought of sin as the big bad things done by other people, but the wondrous law of God showed me sin is a violation of all that God intended for me and makes me unclean in His eyes. Once sin was not vital or even noticed, but now I fight it with all my heart for I want to please the One who died so I could be set free from its grip.

God’s instruction is not a list of rules. It is guidance and direction for life, and shows me how to have joy and peace, a peace too deep for words that is a mystery that humanity can never fathom. In it, even as a Christian with eyes wide open, I can only wonder and be amazed.

My Christian faith and the law of God shows me how His love is at the heart of everything, and with it, wonder is never far away. Most wonderful is that God loves me and His love is permanent, mine forever. The author of today’s reading expresses it this way:

Once we have learned to love Jesus and to experience His love to us, there falls a newness of wonder on everything. I know that God is power—but he may be power and still leave me cold. I know that God is justice—and yet infinite justice can never win my heart. God is love. The world is made in love. Every touch of his hand on me is love—and immediately I cry in adoration, “He will be called Wonderful!”