"Who do you think you are?"
She pointed to the handmade sign. "Can't you see it says 'No boys allowed'? Only girls can come into this clubhouse! Now, go away!"
It doesn't take long for us as humans to start questioning and challenging our identity and authority as it relates to others. Some abuse that authority and others feel like they can never gain any. We all struggle to find our true identity.
As we begin looking at some of the major themes in the book of Galatians, these two root issues are so important. Let's take a look at them separately.
As we begin looking at some of the major themes in the book of Galatians, these two root issues are so important. Let's take a look at them separately.
AUTHORITY IN CHRIST (Galatians 1:4)
Paul is writing the book of Galatians to a church who has lost its direction and focus as believers in Christ. He sees an urgent and dangerous problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Before he explains the issue and suggests solutions he establishes his authority not in himself, but in Jesus Christ. We find references to Christ's resurrection even in the first verse of this book. In fact, throughout this letter, Paul rarely strays far from the anchor of the gospel. His advice and input carries weight to the hearers not because of Paul's greatness, but because of Christ's.
There are times when we are also called to share truth with others. As moms, one of our primary responsibilities is to impart wisdom and instruction to the little ones in our home. It's so easy to revert to the "Because I said so" mentality when in fact our authority really rests in the "Because He says so" of Scripture.
When we have an intimidating conversation with a coworker or friend, it brings much relief to realize that our words don't hold weight because of our eloquence, but because of the power of God's words and working in their life.
We share gospel truths not because we are qualified, but because He is!
IDENTITY IN CHRIST {Galatians 1:6-10}
So what exactly is the main issue with this body of believers? We soon learn that the Galatian church had forgotten their new identity in Christ and were actively turning to things other than Him for their security and rescue. They were attempting to fill a gospel-shaped hole in their spirits with things other than the work of Jesus.
This wasn't a new idea to Paul. Later on in this first chapter he reminds them that he was growing steadily in his popularity among the Jews. His persecution of Christians and advancement of Judaism was applauded. When he was literally stopped in his tracks on the road to Damascus, he was given not only a new name, but a new identity and mission. He bluntly tells his readers that if he was seeking validation from his peers he wouldn't be preaching Christ (v.10).
It's easy to shake our heads at the Galatians and wonder how they could so easily turn to replacements for the good news they already received through Christ. Honestly examining our own hearts reveals that we have some identity issues too.
Here are a few of my identities:
--Good wife: This identity includes consistent dishwashing, crisp ironing, and squeaky clean floors. It requires immediate submission to all decisions and calm responses to heated discussions. If perfection is not attained in all aspects, this identity is deemed a failure.
--Wonderful mom: This identity includes gourmet PB&J making skills, organization of all superhero costumes, and creative bedtime storytelling. Negotiation is a requirement for this position. If perfection is not attained in all aspects, this identity is deemed a failure.
--Church leader: This identity includes a cheerful disposition at all times, memory of church members names and current spiritual/physical needs, and an ability to explain any passage of Scripture a moment's notice. If perfection is not attained in all aspects, this identity is deemed a failure.
Obviously these identities are completely unattainable, but they bring pride and despair on a regular basis depending on my current level of success in each area. Can you relate?
Maybe you find your identity in your number of friends, advice giving opportunities, or creative ability. The possibilities are endless.
That's why we can't skim over the first part of Galatians. Our identity IS important and if we are in Christ our identity has been perfectly sealed. We are His!
Practically, this means that I can crash and burn in any area of my existence, but my validation doesn't come from those faulty identities.
This makes the question of our authority and identity a simple one to answer. Both are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Straying from this answer leads us down a dangerous path and resting in it brings us confidence and peace in the face of the world's many "gospels".
As you head into the chaos that is life, ask yourself not "Who am I?" but "Whose am I?". Those two letters make all the difference.