Like a Good Neighbor

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.  For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."  Galatians 5:13-15

Observant
I have friends who returned to town after moving away for three years.  I showed up to help them unload the truck and observed something that was very cool.  Their next door neighbors were there to help them unload the truck as well.  It was clear that they had a relationship that was strong and had endured the absence. 

Journey
This made me think of my neighbors.  What kind of connections am I making with them?  How am I serving them?  Reaching out to them?  I know it can be difficult, especially when all we see is the garage door go up, the car drive in, and the garage door go down.  I observed something valuable between my friends and their neighbors that I think is worth the effort.

The Bad, the Good, the Former Life

For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.   I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.  Galatians 1:13-14

Observant
I have grown up hearing many times of the radical transformation of Paul from Saul, the one who persecuted and tried to destroy the church.  It was a radical transformation to be sure.  Something new has become part of the picture.  In the first chapter of Galatians, Paul is characterizing his previous life and  admits to that whole destroying the church thing.  However he goes on to speak of his former self in what seem like positive terms - advancing in Judaism, exceeding his peers and passionate about traditions.  These are qualities that many would have recognized as good, but Paul discovered came up short.

Journey
I've always liked the church.  I certainly have never sought to destroy it.  I get along well with most Christians.  The worst I've ever wished on anyone was a bad rash.  I do pretty well at obeying the 10 Commandments.  How then do I identify with Paul?  I think it's in my own claims to "goodness."  I could write similar words to his.  I was advancing in Nazareneness, following rules pretty well when compared to those around me.  I was untouchable when it came to outward signs of ritual holiness and possessed a relationship with Christ that I inherited from my parents . . . but I still needed Christ.  I, like Paul, have no goodness of my own.  I need Christ and His sacrifice.

Sender and Receiver

Scripture
Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— ² and all the brothers and sisters with me,
To the churches in Galatia:

³ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, ⁴ who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, ⁵ to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  Galatians 1:1-5

The Observant Part

Did you notice the sender and receiver information in this letter to the churches in Galatia? I'm not referring to the customary "to" and "from" that is in all letters.  I'm talking about the fact that Paul calls himself an apostle SENT "by Jesus Christ and God the Father."  He also makes it clear that he is sent as a result of what he has RECEIVED - "the Lord, Jesus Christ who gave himself for our sins."

The Journey Part
I have received an incredible gift from God - salvation through Jesus Christ.  That not only gives me a destiny, but a mission.  It is the mission that Jesus gave all of His disciples to go and make disciples.  I am thankful to be sent, because I am thankful for what I have received.