Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.
Galatians 6:12
You can always find the people that are trying to impress us. As a matter of fact, you don’t have to do anything at all. They’ll do all the work to get our attention. They pay for all the commercials on TV. They send out all the social media and email ads.
When they’re trying to impress us, they’re goal isn’t to leave us as we are. They want to make their mark into us. They want to leave their thoughts, ideas, and way of thinking deep in our heads and hearts. They aren’t interested in the truth or our benefit, their goal is to change us. Period.
They only talk about all the good stuff. The benefits. The reasons why their product or service is best. Why it’s helpful. How it’s going to change our lives for the better. How their approach will save us. Our neighborhoods. Our country. The world.
Think about the last commercial you saw for a medication. They creatively and convincingly tell you about how great their treatment is. The words and images are upbeat and engaging. How it’s proved to be so effective. It’s already helped thousands and can help you too.
Then comes the part when the announcer starts talking fast about possible side effects. Their voice changes. Its quicker and more monotone. The images on the screen continue to draw us in, perhaps even distracting us while the announcer rapidly lists off everything their required to say by law.
At the end, they wrap-up with more positive messages about the medication and it’s life-changing potential. There’s even information on ways to have someone else pay for it. How could you not want this powerful and life-changing treatment?
For me personally, it’s really easy to figure out who’s trying to get my attention because that’s who I was. I had perfected the art of impressing people long and hard. I read and studied all the most recent techniques and technologies. I knew how to get my face and ideas in front of people around the world.
That’s what Paul’s trying to warn the Galatians about. These people are putting on a good face about returning to sacrifices, trying to impress God with what they do.
There is an urgency in their pressing the Galatians to change. It’s like they’ve grabbed the Galatians by the arm and are twisting it behind their backs. There’s nothing subtle about what they’re doing.
How are these people trying to impress the Galatians? They are presently and actively doing anything and everything to force the Galatian Christians to turn their backs on God’s grace. Their two-step plan is simple.
Step One – twist the Galatians away from the finished work of Jesus on the cross.
Step Two – handcuff them back into working for their salvation.
But they aren’t just using smooth words and logical arguments. No, they are doing anything and everything to get the Galatians to turn their backs on God. They are flexing every muscle; they are using any tactic. They don’t care about what’s right or fair, they only want the Galatians to be traitors to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
And they don’t care if false and misleading information is used. They paint a pretty picture that’s based on false or misleading information. They put on a false, positive front for the planned purpose of misleading. They twist the facts to pull people in. All they’re concerned about is getting the Galatians to leave the freedom that comes with faith in Jesus for slavery and works.
I know that’s a harsh comparison, but that’s what it is. That’s the difference between faith and Jesus and everything else. Think about it.
Faith in Jesus – He’s paid the full price for all our sins. Once and for all time, everything we’ve ever done is nailed to the cross and stamped, “Paid in Full![1]”
Everything Else – We’re still in debt and we’re the only ones who can fix it. We have to do everything to pay back out debt to God. All the weight is on us. We do all the heavy lifting.
Now, I’m not trying to paint a pretty picture about faith in Jesus to impress you. I never said that it would be easy or that your life would instantly be filled with nothing but blessings.
What I am trying desperately to do is compare the difference between believing in Jesus and trying to do it on our own. It’s really that simple. The options are right there in front of you.
Trust yourself – you have to do all the work.
Trust Jesus – he’s already done all the work.
I hope this really makes an impression on you.
[1] Colossians 2:14