Walking with God
Bible in a Year: Daniel 1-2; 1 John 4
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20
Today's Scripture: Galatians 5:7-10
Insight
In his letter to the churches in Galatia, Paul takes up one of his most passionate arguments—that believers in Jesus don’t need to become culturally Jewish in order to enjoy the blessings of Christ’s life of faithfulness. The apostle argues that he has the credentials to proclaim the gospel, recounting not only his history of Jewish perfectionism but also receiving Peter’s (Cephas’) stamp of approval on his call by Christ (1:18; 2:9).
Then he tells the story of confronting Peter to his face about his choice to avoid the uncircumcised gentiles out of fear of some of the Jews (2:11-21). Chapter 5 reiterates that Christ has made us right with God and won our freedom. Requiring believers to follow the law denies the truth of the gospel (vv. 1-10). But encouraging them to spend time in the Scriptures directs their steps toward truth and keeps them from wandering in the wrong direction.
It was Tuesday at the gym, so the people walking around the track were supposed to go clockwise. The first walkers my wife joined were doing that. But then another person walked onto the track going counterclockwise. A couple of her friends joined her—and then another. Suddenly there was chaos on the track—and it took a few minutes to restore order.
While the wrong-way walkers intended no harm, I couldn’t help but think about the power of influence. One person headed the wrong way leads to another, and on it goes. It’s a bit like Proverbs 13:20: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Following a person going the wrong way leads to trouble.
In Galatians 5, Paul explains how such a mistake can halt our spiritual progress. “You were running a good race,” he says. “Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you” (vv. 7-8). God, who desires obedience, never leads us away from truth and “into confusion” (v. 10). But those who oppose His truth can hamper our spiritual walk by redirecting us from Him.
God wants to be our guide. When we walk with Him, we’ll never wander in the wrong direction.
Reflect & Pray
In what situations are you allowing someone to lead you away from God? What can you do to change your course?
Dear God, thank You for Scripture, which tells me to direct my steps toward You. Please help me follow You better today.