BEING IN THE WORLD, NOT OF THE WORLD
- Key Verse
- "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." (Gal 1:10)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
It isn't always right to agree with those around us. We must know what the Bible teaches in order to know what is right and what is wrong.
Reflections
Choosing to follow the ways of the world is one of the easiest traps into which I have ever fallen. Being a “people pleaser” most of my life led me in a direction that I should never have gone. I found it easy to gain acceptance with "the crowd" rather than stand up for what I felt and knew in my heart was right. Never rocking the boat meant never being questioned as to what were my real thoughts or beliefs. It was too easy to be swallowed up by the crowd.
Paul taught the "Good News" that Jesus came and died for our sins. He took away our punishment. He first taught this to the Jews, some of whom became Christians. Then he taught this to the Gentiles, many of whom also became Christians.
Paul was not pleased with the Galatians when they turned from the only true message. He began his letter in his usual manner praying for grace and peace from God the Father and Jesus for all the Christians at Galatia. He did not continue in that same vein. He was sad and angry because the believers had listened to false teachers who were very skillful at persuading and misleading the people. He loved these new Christians as though they were his own children. He did not understand how they could turn so easily from the true message to one brought by people who were trying to confuse them.
The Christians in Galatia didn't realize they were actually refusing the free gift of salvation which they thought "works" would accomplish instead. I felt this same way many years ago. It just seemed too easy. I didn't have a Paul to carefully and clearly teach me the true "Good News." But, I did have people who loved me and were willing to bring me to realize that it's never too late to accept the TRUE "Good News."
Studying God's Word has made a tremendous difference in my life. I may not always make the right choice, but now I am much more deliberate in making that choice.
Discussion Questions
- When have you followed the crowd knowing it wasn't the right thing to do?
- How often do you mess around outside of God's plan for your life?
- Does studying the Word of God help you make correct decisions when confronted by friends who want you to go against God's will?
- Do you have an accountability group?
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Karen Goins
February 19, 2010 07:11 AM
Well said, Katie!! Thank you for the reminder which affects all of us....and is so easy to forget!
Rod MacIlvaine
February 19, 2010 07:52 AM
Thanks Katie. Great words.
Tracy Kincaid
February 19, 2010 09:17 AM
Katie, What a wonderful devotion! As a fellow 'people pleaser' it was a great reminder as I began to star my day.I have tucked this key verse in my heart. I so love and appreciate you. Tracy Kincaid :)
Shirley O'Connor
February 19, 2010 10:57 AM
Katie...John and I were sitting side-by-side in a small Bible church in Borger, Texas when together we first heard about the "free gift of salvation." That message on that particular Sunday changed the entire course of the rest of lives. Thank you for this reminder that we do not have to work in order to be forgiven...forgiveness is the Lord's "free" gift.
Lynn Carpenter
February 19, 2010 11:59 AM
Katie, Such an important message--thanks for helping me remember to follow Biblical teachings not worldly ways.
Connie Collins
February 19, 2010 12:00 PM
Katie, thanks so much for reminding us of the TRUE, life-changing "Good News." I love and admire the wonderful woman of God that you are today!
Kelly Spencer
February 19, 2010 02:22 PM
Katie, what a simple but yet profound insight!! I knew you were smart but never suspected that you were so deeply and profoundly wise! all kidding aside what a great lesson I am so glad you shared your vulnerabilty with us all. How wonderful to learn that God's gift to us is so free and simple.My hat is off to you. Kelly
Lynnette Gore
February 19, 2010 02:37 PM
Thank you for the reminder to follow God's Word and not the crowd,even when it's hard. I appreciate the encouragement.
glenda garrison
February 22, 2010 07:37 AM
Katie, Thanks for that wonderful reminder, stay true to the word and follow Gods word and not those of the world. You are special. Glenda
Janet Rix
February 22, 2010 10:06 AM
Dear Katie, I know only too well how the world-Satan, can deceive us and entice us to follow its ways! Thanks for your devotional as it speaks truth-we all need to stay in God's word to know the truth and His ways! Love you, friend.
Marian Snook
March 4, 2010 01:29 PM
Katie, I just got on your wonderful devotional this morning.(I'm very challenged with all the tec stuff!) What wonderful insight into the Word of God. I am so glad that our christian friends are our helpers in the faith.