Who Cut in on You?

None of likes to be “cut in on.” We like to be able to follow through on our plans and reach our goals. Even when we were children there was a rule “no cut-seys.” I can remember fights breaking out in the lunch room at school over this strict code while in middle school. As adults we are familiar with road rage seemingly without real provocation. Accidents are caused by lack of patience, courtesy or advanced planning.

In the Book of Galatians the Apostle Paul wrote, “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?” Here he is addressing people who have fallen away from the message of the Gospel. In Paul’s holy math Truth = Gospel = Jesus. 

There are so many ways to fall away from the Truth. But, here we are told that someone cut in on them. Someone distracted the Galatians and it was quite obvious. Because they fell back into their old patterns of behavior it was clear. Essentially the desires of the Self overtook them. Their eyes were not on Jesus but desiring to indulge themselves. These pursuits led them in the wrong direction. To Paul these things that led to Self or the Evil One = sin. More math that is glaringly apparent.

Paul gave his assessment with clarity yet with grace. For Paul’s aim was to teach and preach from many perspectives. He had been rich and poor, been a prisoner and free, a persecutor of Christ and now one of His best promoters.

His goal was that people would claim the gift of forgiveness and cling to the Gospel and the person of Christ. He encouraged the Galatians to reclaim their faith and to walk in freedom as a result. Walking in the right path requires discipline.

Asking myself the question, “who or what has cut in on me?” is key. I have never been able to preach or teach something without applying the same standard to my life. When I have attempted it I have hit a brick wall. Zippo, nothing comes…

Wow- many things…fear, procrastination, worry self-consciousness, mind-less activity (even before the internet!), lack of Bible study or relationship time with God. I am sure you may find others. Maybe there are some you are not entirely aware of. Or, maybe you know too well what has cut in on you. So, what do we do? Anybody? 

Self-awareness is certainly helpful if not mandatory. Accountability is a must. Self-forgiveness is necessary. And, turning from the wrong direction is pivotal. Repentance is really a very difficult but easy thing. At some point we have ALL pointed ourselves in the wrong direction. The Bible clearly points toward the right direction. The Gospels = Truth = Jesus are still in effect. What a beautiful equation that is!

So, then there is turning away from sin toward the Truth = Repentance = Freedom = Joy. That is certainly not the end of Biblical math. That leaves more for another day!

More than anything else Paul wanted us to realize we can always turn towards God. The stronger our relationship to Him the less likely it will be for others to cut in on us.

Blessings,

Glenn.