“I am not a DIY”
As we officially began our “Live Free or Die” series this week, Pastor Phil taught through Galatians 1. He pointed out in verse 10, “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.” It is incredibly easy for us, in our day-to-day lives or in the way we feel influenced by our surrounding culture, to compare ourselves to others in how we do things. When we do that, it creates division between us and those other people. Sometimes those are enemies or competitors, and sometimes those are close friends. We end up in a place where, if we have success and move up in the world, it forces somebody around us to move down. These can be very conflicting actions and emotions, and can hinder our emotional connection to the people around us, and to God. If anything, we need to compare ourselves to Jesus. He is the only perfect scale we should be measuring ourselves against.
Phil provided three guidelines for us to help keep ourselves in check:
- When you think about the message that is changing your heart, you need to check your sources. Make God your source.
- Be careful who you honor. Let’s not give each other credit for things. Give God credit.
- Insist on the reality and centrality of Jesus
We are not “Do It Yourself” projects. As talented and capable of great things as God has made us to be, our shortcomings are numerous and require God’s wisdom, guidance and strength. Stay grounded in those things this week.
