Title: Overcome the lust for fame
Galatians (23) Overcome the lust for honor (Galatians 4:24-31)
<Avoid legalism>
Abraham had two children. One is Ishmael, who was born according to the flesh of Hagar, the slave girl, and the other is Isaac, who was born according to the promise of Sarah, a free man. Using the parable as an example, the Apostle Paul appeals to the Galatians, saying that you are children of the promise, like Isaac, and do not return to the children of the flesh again by the law (verses 28-31).
The law was not given to provide any reasonable conditions for going to heaven, nor was it given as a measure of godliness. Therefore, we must be extremely wary of thinking that keeping the law makes us more godly than others. True godliness is an inner knowledge before God. In other words, “God is watching! God is with you now!” Living with a strong self-consciousness is godliness.
People say this in order to show godliness with the outward appearance of obeying the law. “I prayed for hours! I go to worship a few times a week! I read a few chapters of the Bible a day! I give more than tithing!” Of course, that's not wrong. But without inner piety, outward piety is meaningless.
Where in the world is there a family where there is no problem? What does that have to do with your lack of prayer? However, it is never the right thing to do to make the family that is being visited to show that you are a good prayer person. Why do you say things like that? Because they are trying to show their piety through their outward appearance. Such human desire for honor is one of the most important factors that make the church and church life sick today.
< Overcome the lust for honor >
The most insatiable desire of people is the desire for fame. Legalism was also born out of a lust for honor. Being too obsessed with success, victory, and growth on this earth will eventually lead to legalism. What is important is the final victory when we stand before God. For that purpose, sometimes you may fail on this earth, or your life may disappear like a dragon's head.
People often misunderstand miracles as central to the book of Acts. Of course, the first part of the book of Acts records a miraculous event and a miraculous growth. But how does the book of Acts end? It ends with no mention of the Apostle Paul being sent to Rome to subdue Caesar in Rome, or that there was a great revival. Even though it ends like a dragon's head, it presents another challenge to the saints on the concept of true blessing.
The book of Acts records the work that led to a remarkable revival, such as Peter's work, but also records the work that ended in death, such as Stephen's work. But people are usually excited about Peter's ministry. However, Jesus was rather excited by Stephen's work, and was sitting at the right hand of the throne, and rose from his feet the moment Stephen died. But he did not open the way for Stephen to live a dramatic life.
Looking at such scenes, we realize that God does not regard success only as a splendid outward appearance. When people seriously reflect on such a fact, they can realize the importance of serving in a hidden place, avoid falling into legalism, and become a person who does the Lord's will fully without being too obsessed with victory or defeat on this earth. Overcome the lust for honor. Even if he sometimes fails, he is never a failure if he does not lose faith and gratitude.