The Weekly Word
In one of my Bible Studies, we're going through the book of Galatians. Due to our various personalities, the veteran Bible scholar, the intellect and me - the emotional one, we all offer very diverse insights that make for interesting discussions.
Though we all found Paul's word, "astonished", interesting, I have to say I could understand the Galatians becoming confused about the Gospel.
If my understanding is correct, they were in a sense new Christians depending on the oral teachings of Paul and their flawed memories. There was no hard copy of Paul's teachings that the Galatians could pull out and reread time and again to clarify their thinking. The Judaizers were religious leaders and easily confused them.
As I recall my early walk with Christ, I wasn't reading the Bible consistently and when I did, much of it was a mystery to me. I was easily swayed by misunderstanding and faulty previous teachings.
I was so easily embittered by current challenges in life. How could God let this happen? Why did He let past traumas occur in my life? So many questions with very little answers!
In a
previous post, I addressed the question of bitter or better. Galatians brought that post to mind again. As new or even veteran believers, we can easily fall away from Jesus and the comfort He offers. We can easily become embittered, especially in our early days of knowing him as our Savior. How can we avoid this pitfall?
I only know my own experience, much of which occurred before computers and the Internet. I had a friend who became my spiritual mother. I could go to her with my questions knowing she would guide me without judging me.
One wise pastor said, "Don't just take my word during the sermon! Take notes and study the sermon at home!" I took his advice to heart and many times would return to him with questions which he patiently answered.
Commentaries were and continue to be so helpful as well.
Prayer and developing my relationship with Jesus has been my Rock. To avoid the pitfalls of losing our way and/or becoming bitter (for an extended length of time), please consider these steps.
If you have questions, ask!
Some of you have been through terrible experiences that served to make your faith stronger! Share your stories! You are the ones I go to when discouraged, confused or in peril of bitterness. You are the ones who encourage me - and others I'm sure.
I praise God that we have such wide access to His Word, His people, and each other. I praise God that your share your stories in the comments and emails; they stay with me long after I've read them and I continue to pray for you.
Let us reach out with questions and let us be ready in and out of season to answer questions with love ad compassion.
