The
Christians in Galatia began their Christian life with ardour and zeal but now
they had become cold and some even turned their back on Christianity. Aren’t we
the same?
Participants
in a marathon often had a good start. They were full of energy; they ran like
speedy Gonzalez. But some lost steam half way through the marathon; they slowed
down. Some walked. Some gave up.
The
Christian life is often represented as a race. Many began their Christian life
with ardour and zeal. They were making good progress. They ran with
cheerfulness and without weariness. But suddenly they stopped running. They did
not finish the race.
Paul
was surprised at the speed that the Galatians quit the race. It happened too
soon after they were converted. They were running very well. Paul was curious:
What had happened to them? What caused them to turn away from the truth? For
the Galatians, it was the false teachers. What about some today? What caused
them to turn away from the faith?
Our
Lord provides some of the answers:
1.
LACK OF KNOWLEDGE: “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and
understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which
was sown in his heart” (Matthew 13:19).
One
reason a false teacher is successful is because some Christians fail to
understand the truth. Their lack of knowledge causes them to believe a lie.
They cannot differentiate between truth and false doctrines. It is for this
reason that God wants us to grow in the knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
2.
WEAK FOUNDATION. Christ says these Christians “hath he not root in himself,
but endureth for a while” (Matt 13:21a).
We
know that strong roots equal strong trees. Likewise, strong roots will produce
strong Christians. It is for this reason that we have foundation class for our
new converts. We want our new converts to be deeply rooted; to have a strong
foundation. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye
may grow thereby,” (1 Peter 2:2).
3.
TRIALS IN LIFE. “When tribulation or persecution arises on account of the
word, immediately he falls away” (Matthew 13:21b).
Can
we have a trouble-free life? Obviously, there is no such a thing as a
trouble-free life. But some Christians do not understand this fact of life.
They expect that by becoming a Christian, God will remove every obstacle in
their lives. But think about this: What if God would just give us sunshine and
no rain? We will die of thirst!
What
will happen to your child if you remove every obstacle and stress in his life?
He will become a weakling. Sometimes I got this feeling that the super hygiene
precautions that modern moms embraced are in fact doing more harm than good for
their children. Our super hygienic children are falling sick more easily than
those brought up without those precautions. Parents, you can’t keep your
children away from germs and bacteria. Therefore, expose them while they are
young and their bodies will build up strong defence against them.
God
wants us to be strong. And tribulations are here to make us strong. “And not
only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation
worketh stedfastness; and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope,”
(Romans 5:3-4, ASV).
Let
us not pray that God removes all obstacles in our lives but that He gives us
strength to overcome them: “I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).
4.
TEMPTATIONS. “The care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke
the word, and he becometh unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22).
The
world is one big temptation. Everything in this world serves to distract the
Christian and lure him back into the world. Every man wants a piece of this
world in his possession. But the godly Christian knows better than to be
entangled again with this world. He knows this world is not his home. He looks
for a better home which is heavenly and eternal: “But now they desire a
better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called
their God: for he hath prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:16).
If
you are reading this exhortation today, it means you are still in the race.
Keep running. There will be distractions and obstacles along the way. You know
what they are. You need to be strong and keep going forward: “Looking unto
Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before
him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand
of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
Let
us keep running until we touch the finish line: “Be thou faithful unto
death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelations 2:10).
Jimmy Lau
Psa
119:97 Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
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