Galatians 1:11-2:14
No two marriages are exactly alike. Nita and I have a unique flavor to our home. Our decoration style communicates a lot about us and what we like. It’s an eclectic mix of our favorite things, our love for travel and for pop culture. Part of our relationship shows up in what we like to express through décor. As Paul lays out his argument against the Judaizers, he builds up to the heart of his letter by focusing in on the individual nature of his relationship with God and call to ministry.
Our decoration style may be odd to some. The stuff I put up in my office here might seem odd as well, but to me, most of those things hold either a deep spiritual or emotional meaning. I’ve had many questions why I have a tipped over salt-shaker in the shelf. It is a reminder of my mentor, Greg, and all he’s taught me (he has it in his office too), but that we are supposed to be salt and light in all of our conversations (spill it out onto others). That may not be a big deal to you, but its deeply impactful to me. The reality is that faith, while it is public, is a personal experience and an individual expression.
Christianity is a One-on-One Relationship (1:11-24)
Paul starts this passage off by talking about the unique-ness of his relationship with God. This relationship is a lot like a husband and a wife. While a lot of people benefit from that relationship, the husband and wife are the most important part of the family. Consider this quote from the City Journal: “Mountains of research tell us that children reared outside of intact marriages are much more likely than other kids to slip into poverty, become victims of child abuse, fail at school and drop out, use illegal drugs, launch into premature sexual activity, become unwed teen mothers, divorce, commit suicide and experience other signs of mental illness, become physically ill, and commit crimes and go to jail.” We could go on to talk about who all else benefits from it, and there is plenty of evidence to that end. This is all to say that the central relationship to a family is the husband/wife. To that end, as Paul describes, the central relationship to life is between God/you. If we let in too many other voices (self-help books, friends, tv, etc.), they can interfere or drown out the 2 most important voices, you and God’s. It has to be a journey together, 1-on-1.
Christianity is an Individually Experienced Journey (2:1-10)
Because it is an individual journey, it will inevitably look different for each person. Each marriage develops their own unique language, words, looks, and touches that communicate solely and secretly between each other. Han and Leia (yes, Star Wars) had their “I love you, I know” responses, some people have pet names for each other, others may speak in the vernacular of their favorite TV show, etc. Each one is unique and individual, because that relationship, like a fingerprint, is wholly unique to those two participants. How could we possibly expect it to look like someone else’s? Obviously there are certain principles that must exist across the board (sin, faithfulness, etc.), but this is why Paul goes into such detail on his personal journey. In 2:10, we see that as long as the important principal was met (yes, care for the poor is one of those), there was freedom inside the personal relationship (circumcision in v3). Imagine what Heaven would be like in a good vs uncomfortable relationship. Each person has to be able to, within proper boundaries, develop an individual relationship with God alone, and that is going to look different for everyone.
Christianity is a Uniquely Artistic Expression (2:11-14)
This means we have to allow for the expression of others’ relationship and worship. We are talking about things like the worship music wars, use of technology, etc – not theology. Truth is timeless and must be guarded, but expression changes with time and culture and God likes that kind of flavor (Rev. 7:9-12)! To one person, the idea of giving God your best means a 3 piece suit, but to another, it might mean overalls and rolled-up sleeves. Remember, we are dealing with multiple millenniums’ worth of culture, nationalities, and expressions of worship. Formal communication harkening back to KJV helps to promote an idea of reverence, fear, and grandiose beauty that is the Father. But we are also called to run to God yelling out for our Daddy. Formality and informality. There is sweat of the brow, but also peace and stillness. Other than things that would qualify as obvious sins or salvific untruths, we need to allow room for people to express their relationship with God on a case-by-case basis and lean towards grace above all else.
Next Steps
Expectations that one person match my personal expression of worship of God only attaches a chain of slavery upon them. We need freedom to experience God personally and we need to allow that for others.
- Seek a “no one else in the room” relationship with Jesus. (Him alone!)
- Find spiritual disciplines that work for you – there is no one size for all. Some may like to read the Bible straight through, others might prefer a devotional book or to journal along with it. Some prefer mornings, others evenings.
- Engage with other cultures and ways of worship. You might find something you like!
Jesus says that the way to life is to know Him (Matt 7:21-23). It’s all who you know. Do you know Him? How well? How deeply? If it’s just you and Him forever for eternity, would you want that?
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