RELIGIOUS BUT NOT RIGHT

Photo by Noah Holm on Unsplash

Some people comfort themselves in the thought that they believe in a Higher Power. Is this enough? Is God satisfied with any attempt to be righteous?

RELIGIOUS BUT NOT RIGHT

Galatians 1:13 You have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion

To be religious is not necessarily good or bad. It depends on whether we conform to the will of God or not.

Rumor

Saul of Tarsus was notorious for persecuting Christians (Galatians 1:13, Acts 8:1-3, Philippians 3:6). Even after his conversion, Saul who is also called Paul, was feared by the church (Acts 9:26 13:9). Thankfully, Paul was not stuck in the past (Philippians 3:13-14 1 Timothy 1:13). Regardless of our history, we can become new creatures in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:9-10 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Religion

Paul was zealous of the traditions of his Fathers (Galatians 1:14, Acts 26:5). We ought to be careful how much value we place on tradition (Mark 7:7-9, Colossians 2:8, 2 Thessalonians 2:15). We also must ensure that our zeal is not based on a misguided notion (Titus 2:14, Romans 10:1-3). Remember that there is a distinction between pure and defiled religion (James 1:26-27).

Ritual

Note that Paul’s error was assuming that persecuting the church was doing the will of God (Galatians 1:13-14, Acts 26:9-11). Today, many grievous errors are made based on assumptions (Luke 12:19, James 4:13). An assumption is a belief in something yet to be proven as true. It is done by scientists, psychologists, or practically everyone who must make a judgment (John 7:24). Our challenge is to prove all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Right

Fortunately, Paul was submissive to the will of God (Acts 9:6, 22:16). He did not need approval from even the other apostles (Galatians 1:15-17). To become a Christian, one simply needs to obey the gospel (Acts 2:41, 5:32). An adult does not need to consult friends, family, pastors, or counselors, whom Satan may use to discourage them from making the greatest decision in life (2 Corinthians 2:11, Luke 14:26, Galatians 5:7).