August 16, 2022

For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. Galatians 1:13-14

Zeal, when not submitted to Christ, can do a great deal of harm to the Lord’s cause. Paul’s zeal for traditions (when he was still known as Saul) brought great prestige and advancement for him in the religious world. Numerous traditions that were held high among God’s people were actually causing people to be lost. Paul’s encounter with Christ and his obedience to Him accomplished such a transformation in his life that he referred to his former conduct in an extremely negative light: “I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.”

Earlier Jesus connected men’s traditions with destruction of the church when He said:

“For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.” Mark 7:8

While we are tremendously thankful for Paul’s conversion and blessed by it, these words of Scripture are written that we also may be fully converted…sanctified to become a true blessing to the world. Jesus continued:

“All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition . . . . making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” (v.9,13,16)

What are many other such things that could be obstacles to my sanctification process, thus misrepresenting the Lord and crippling my witness for Him? Beloved, the enemy has caught a “free ride” directly into the church for the purpose of destroying it. Professed followers of Christ are being called to examine themselves thoroughly (2 Corinthians 13:5). Pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal any traditions, worldly habits, or practices that harm the cause of Christ, making the word of God of no effect. God does not ask us to give up anything that is best for us to keep. A willingness to part with—Holy Spirit, fill in the blank—is one of the ways He develops in us a Christlike character!

“Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33