Gal 1-3

Are you so foolish?

What is a "Christian life" and how do we live it?

So often it degrades into the following:
-Go to church every Sunday morning.
-Pay your 10% in tithes.
-Read the Bible.
-Pray before meals and bed.
-Wear a cross necklace.
-No sex before marriage.
-No divorce.
-Dress modestly.
-No swearing.
-Listen to music about Jesus.
-etc.

A list of do's and don't's. But isn't it so much more than that? What is the point of all that stuff?

The Christian life, Christian meaning 'little Christ', is a life where you are following Jesus' example, but more importantly is that you have a close relationship with God and as you experience Him more and more you see the areas in your life that need changing and ask Him to help where you can do nothing.

When we started a relationship with God we asked for forgiveness of all our sin and for Him to enter our lives in a powerful and meaningful way. But so quickly we abandon the good news that was given to us in favour of a list of things we can do to make ourselves feel better than others.

"All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written "Cursed is everyone that does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." Clearly no one is justified before God by the law because "The righteous will live by faith"" (Gal3:10-11)

Ultimately our little lists are meaningless because they are still far less than God's lists. But then God's lists are too great for us to even come close to accomplishing. He promises "I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws." (Ezk 36:27) God's Spirit in us. Intimacy with God as well as power and strength when we are weak. Boldness to proclaim His goodness and works. Power over sin in our lives. 

But here we are again, back doing what we can by our own abilities. This lack-luster 'Christianity' that is nothing different than the world.

"Are you so foolish? After beginning by the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" (Gal 3:3)

"Does God give you His Spirit and work miracles because you observe the law, or because you believe what you have heard?" (3:5)

His Spirit in us can do so much more than blending into the crowd while wearing a cross. He can do miracles, empower us to beat sin, stir up in us a heart to reach the world, boldness to trust in Him in crazy situations.

So, are we merely following our lists, or following where the Spirit will take us?