A Simple Way Forward

A Simple Way Forward

Galatians 5:13-26

Paul and Beth Stroble

When beginning this lesson, I (Paul) felt “stuck,” wondering what fresh approach to take to this scripture. Beth said, “What about all the bogus Covid remedies—when wearing a mask is the primary thing?” I had forgotten about the obvious illustration!

You’ve probably heard about various ways that supposedly prevent Covid. Vitamins C and D as well as zinc are essential for health, but they’re not cures. Neither is Hydroxychloroquine, which is beneficial for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and malaria. Drinking bleach is fatal, but some people have tragically died trying it. The president suggested injecting disinfectant. That, too, is fatal! I also heard that a person should kick off shoes at the door in case you might track in Covid. You’ll track in dirt but not the virus.

The point (as Beth commented) is that there will always be new “rules” and guidelines. But the main things you should do is be considerate of others: keep social distance, and wear a mask! While the remedies are for yourself, a mask plus social distancing show that you’re also considerate of others.

In our scripture, Paul contrasts “works of the flesh” and “fruit of the Spirit.” “Flesh” is his word for human nature. He writes: “Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. … Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.”

Some of these are extreme behaviors, while others are more typical. But they’re all behaviors that are focused on one’s self. They also do harm.

The Apostle Paul writes: “By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” What he means is that rules and guidelines are not necessary. You are led by the Spirit and, consequently, you think about the well-being of others. That’s it!

It is very easy to think of religious faith as a set of rules. When I was little, I thought that Christians are people who didn’t curse, mowed their lawns on Sunday, drink, or play cards.

The problem with our childhood ideas about following the rules is that we are thinking about our faith life like moving on the spaces in a board game--avoid jail, keep moving through the requirements, and get heaven as the prize.   What we miss by the approach is that eternal life isn't a prize to achieve but is a gift that should motivate kindness and love for others.  The rule-following approach confuses cause and effect.  God's love and grace are already ours, not a goal to be gained.  

The theme of our lessons right now is “Strategy vs. Simplicity: Three Simple Rules.” “We've just closed out a year that will always be known for disorientation, unrest and division. It has left us trying to navigate a path forward but where is the map? What strategy could we embrace? What if the answer was simplicity instead of strategy?”

The Apostle Paul makes it very simple for us! “For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Gal. 5:14).

Prayer:

Dear Lord: help us to uncomplicate our faith! Help us to trust in your unfailing love. Help us to be openhearted and considerate of one another. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(A devotion written for our church for Sunday, January 17th)