Category: Spiritual Growth

Doing Good to All

Brushing aside the tears I gave my son a final hug before turning to leave his dorm room. We’d helped him unpack and hang pictures on the walls, loaded him up on supplies from Target, and had even laid hands on him in prayer. The moment to say goodbye had come. Rummaging inside my bag, I handed him a card to read after we left. It contained a few words of affirmation and encouragement along with gentle reminders to keep in mind as he launched into this new season in college.

Paul’s final chapter in Galatians reads a bit like one of those letters—it includes an assortment of final words of instruction, encouragement, and advice before his closing salutation to the believers in Galatia. Let’s unpack a few key topics he covers as he wraps up his letter explaining how to use freedom in Christ  to love others well.

Restoring those Caught in Sin

Paul begins the chapter by saying: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1, NIV) This reinforces Jesus’ teaching about offering correction to others: “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5, NIV) James offers similar wisdom: “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20, NIV)

In our hyper-individualistic society that has coined the phrase “you do you,” these words may sound jarring. Isn’t it judgmental to correct someone entangled in sin? No, because it hinders us from fully engaging the Lord, helping someone to understand the gravity of their sin is actually loving.  Of course, broaching a sensitive topic like this should be preceded by prayer, prompted by the Holy Spirit, and done with gentleness and wisdom. Restoring a person to a right relationship with the Lord is a courageous way to show love.

Carrying Loads and Sharing Burdens

Paul gives two words of wisdom that sound contradictory at first glance. In verse 2 he says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” And in verse 5 he says, “for each one should carry their own load.” Understanding these verses means distinguishing between a burden and a load. One commentary explains, “‘load’ signifies the personal obligations and tasks that are uniquely assigned to each person by God. It implies a sense of personal accountability and stewardship over one’s life and actions. The ‘load’ is something that is manageable and appropriate for the individual, suggesting that God equips each person with the necessary strength and resources to fulfill their personal duties.”1

We’re called to have a sense of personal responsibility for the loads we carry. Yet in our culture today this notion can be distorted in several ways. Here are a few examples:

  • Entitlement tells us “I am privileged and superior. I can’t be bothered with small inconveniences. Someone else should carry my load for me.”
  • Over-functioning tells us “I need to do for others what they could and should be doing for themselves; I take ownership and responsibility for others without realizing I’m stunting their ability to grow and mature.”
  • Victim mentality tells us “I’m powerless and I blame others for my misfortune. Someone else should fix my problems, take care of my responsibilities, and carry my load.”

Contrasting the word “load” in verse 5, “A ‘burden’ can be seen as an excessive weight that surpasses an individual’s capacity to bear alone, necessitating the love and support of the Christian community.”1 Believers are called to share burdens with others but sometimes we hold back from asking for help or from giving it. Here are few mindsets that hinder this:

  • Pride says, “I don’t want to admit I need help or support. I’d rather struggle under the weight of bearing a burden alone.”
  • Individualism says, “I don’t want to bother anyone or to be bothered by anyone. I want to be seen as self sufficient and would never  expose my need to others.”
  • Selfishness says, “I don’t want to be weighed down or to get my hands dirty with someone else’s load. My goal is to avoid messy situations at all costs.”

Regardless of the reason, when we avoid sharing burdens, we miss out on meaningful connection. Walking beside others through hardship builds community and deepens friendship in ways that good times can’t.

 Do Good to All, Especially Fellow Believers

Paul also encourages the believers to put their faith into action: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10, NIV)

The call to do good to all people is a mindset and a lifestyle, not a periodic service project. It seems there are many today who opt out of doing good and serving the family of believers. The swift current of busyness draws us into a rushing river of distraction that overwhelms us. We’re so busy trying to keep our heads above water we can’t think about anything else. So, in an attempt to simplify life or maintain control, we say no to anything that requires more from us. The very things that would feed our souls and bring life, community, and connection feel like too much.

Little by little we slip into spiritual indifference known as the sin of sloth. Pastor Bethany Allen describes this as “the subtle refusal to love when love feels costly, and ultimately it is an aversion to the good and the mysterious beauty and potential of the kingdom. Sloth shows up as spiritual or emotional disengagement from things like prayer, obedience, worship, from loving our neighbors, from the work that we’re called to, the relationships we have, and the growth that God is inviting us into…It isn’t some kind of loud rebellion. It’s totally masked in a quieter response and things like ‘not now,” ‘not yet,’ ‘oh not me.’…With sloth…personal comfort becomes the default setting. And over time, sloth doesn’t just waste our days, it shrinks our souls.”

Quoting Paul’s words in Galatians 5 about not growing weary of doing good, Allen adds, “See, perseverance or the attentiveness to the heart, that’s what keeps us free from sloth. But that work of not growing weary or apathetic or indifferent, it actually requires a deliberate decision of the heart and the will in order for it to be true for us.”2

 No doubt, Paul’s closing words may cause the sting of conviction. Instead of brushing that feeling aside, will you prayerfully consider the topics he addresses?

  • Where might you be turning a blind eye to sin instead of praying about restoring a fellow believer to a right relationship with the Lord?
  • Where might you be out of alignment with the call to carry your own load and to bear others’ burdens? Are you shouldering a load meant for someone else? Are you avoiding coming alongside someone to bear a burden? Do you have a burden you need help carrying?
  • Where might you be opting out of doing good and building the body of believers? Have you slipped into apathy or made “no” your default answer when it comes to serving?

Answering these questions honestly will put you on the road to true freedom in Christ, which is the goal of Paul’s writing throughout Galatians.Why not pray and invite the Lord to work in whatever areas have risen to the surface for you? Receive His grace and allow Him to bring transformation from the conviction you’ve felt. It seems fitting to end this series with Paul’s closing words to the believers in Galatia: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.” (Galatians 6:18, NIV)

Inspired by Live Free: A Study of Galatians by Elizabeth Woodson, Lifeway, 2025. Follow along by ordering your copy here.

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  1. “Understanding ‘Load’ vs. ‘Burden’”, Bible Hub 
  2. “Seven Deadly Sins: Sloth”, Bethany Allen, Bridgetown Community Church, Feb. 1, 2026

Life as It Was Designed to Be

Arriving home after a trip triggers a predictable chain of events: sifting through a stack of mail, watering parched plants, unpacking suitcases, and re-stocking groceries. Before heading out to buy new food, I take inventory of the refrigerator. Most of the time, I discover a few funky smells wafting out–a forgotten container of leftovers growing mold, a bag of lettuce that’s turned brown and mushy, or strawberries covered with green fuzz. These inedible landmines often trigger a full cleaning of every shelf and drawer because there’s nothing worse than putting fresh food in a stinky fridge.

With those smells and images in mind, consider Paul’s words to the Galatians as he urges them to embrace God’s grace and walk in step with the Spirit: “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses… Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” (Galatians 5:16-18, 24-25 NLT)

Paul encourages believers to understand that their freedom in Christ enables them to live in the way God intended them, no longer bound by the shackles of sin or the burden of the law. Elizabeth Woodson explains, “For Paul, freedom is not about living a life without any boundaries but living a life that is ordered by the boundaries of godliness.”1 He’s admonishing believers to clean out their spiritual refrigerators to make space for the fresh nourishment of the Holy Spirit.

In order to do this, however, we need to identify sin that’s keeping us from growing to maturity. Paul provides an extensive and specific list to consider—the old and decaying things in our lives that we need to surrender to the Lord so that we can live the abundant lives He intended: “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,  idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21, NLT)

We may skim through this list without applying it personally, but the sins Paul calls out to the Galatians are just as relevant in our world today. Instead of glossing over them and focusing on less convicting passages, let’s take a minute to ponder them prayerfully.

Sexual Sins: Paul dives right in by calling out sexual immorality, impurity, and lustful pleasures. The biblical definition for sexual immorality is any sexual activity outside the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. Lustful pleasures include anything that prioritizes gratifying a sexual craving over seeking God’s will and caring for the well-being of others. (This is what fuels the booming industries of pornography and sex-trafficking.) Our culture normalizes and even glorifies sexual behaviors and thought patterns that not only dishonor God but damage our relationships and souls. If you’re not paying attention to what’s forming your perspective on sex, it’s likely you’ve adopted the world’s way of thinking without realizing it. Take a moment and prayerfully consider where our current culture influences your views on sexuality more than the Bible. For a deeper dive on this topic, click on the sermon link at the bottom entitled “Two Beds.”

Spiritual Sins: Next Paul touches on spiritual straying by calling out idolatry and sorcery. The late Tim Keller describes an idol as anything that “has such a controlling position in your heart that you can spend most of your passion and energy, your emotional and financial resources, on it without a second thought.” Family, children, career, making money, achievement, social standing, romantic relationships, peer approval, security, comfort, beauty, brains, even moral or social causes can all become “ultimate things.”2 Paul also speaks against sorcery, which is the use of spells, divination, or speaking to spirits. Any attempt to seek spiritual wisdom and power from a source other than God should not be part of a believer’s life—this includes practices that have recently regained popularity ‘just for fun” such as consulting mediums or psychics and reading tarot cards or auras.

Relational Sins: Paul gives a variety of examples including hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, and envy. It’s not hard to see how social media has given us more opportunities to be led into these kinds of sins. Most of them are rooted in unrestrained anger and selfishness. Anytime we’re tempted to have an “us vs. them” mentality or to resent a person for having what we think we “deserve” we’re heading into relational sin. If anger or sins related to it are a struggle for you, make time to listen to the excellent sermon by Christine Caine linked at the bottom of this post. If envy or jealousy regularly pop up for you, there’s a sermon at the bottom for you too.

Social Sins: Again, Paul doesn’t mince words and calls out drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these as practices to avoid. When alcohol, drugs, pills or other mind-altering substances become a necessary ingredient for having a good time or become the focal point of a social event, we’re veering into sin. They also lower our inhibitions and open the door for other sins. “When we choose to ingest mind-altering substances, we are effectively choosing to give ourselves over to the control of something other than the Holy Spirit. Anything that takes control of our mind, will, and emotions is a false god.”3 If you rationalize or minimize times when you’re tipsy or joke about being “over served,” maybe it’s time to bring it to the Lord in prayer. If you’re feeling convicted, be honest with yourself, the Lord, and a grace-filled friend who can walk alongside you. To learn more, see the article linked in reference #3 at the bottom.

Galatians 5 is most famous for this verse: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT) Many of us like to skip right to these verses without considering what comes before them. But growing this kind of spiritual fruit means confronting our sin and letting the Lord remove it as a hindrance so that we can abide closely with Him. Rather than seeing Paul’s list of sins as restrictive, consider Elizabeth Woodson’s explanation: “The more we deny our flesh and say yes to the things of God (all by the power of the Holy Spirit), the more we are able to experience life as it was designed to be lived. God created us to be image bearers, living for His glory and for the good of others. When we live like this, we are free from the burden of sin, and are free to experience an abundant life—full of love and joy.”4

 Inspired by Live Free: A Study of Galatians by Elizabeth Woodson, Lifeway, 2025. Follow along by ordering your copy here.

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“Two Beds” sermon on sexual sin by Tyler Scott  (start at 24:24)

“Anger” sermon by Christine Caine 

“Envy” sermon by Tyler Staten 

  1. Elizabeth Woodson, Live Free: A Study of Galatians, Lifeway Press, 2025, 131
  2. Tim Keller Counterfeit Gods, Introduction (quoted from Jake Griesel’s website.)
  3. “Is Getting Drunk a Sin?”, gotquestions.org
  4. Elizabeth Woodson, Live Free: A Study of Galatians, Lifeway Press, 2025, 131

Going Back Again

Sitting at the year-end assembly, I watched with envy as the principal called older students on stage to receive  awards. Some names became familiar as certain “star” students were called up multiple times. I longed to hear my name announced, but knew as a puny first grader, I wouldn’t be receiving a certificate that day. As I progressed through the years, the awards assembly was often in the back of my mind. So I was quick to participate in anything that would earn me accolades on the last day of school. By sixth grade, I was at the top of the heap and relished being one of the names called up to the stage over and over again.

That pattern of craving recognition through achievement continued to drive me through middle school and high school. I loved to learn and to serve, but also valued the side benefits of seeing my name on the honor roll and my face on multiple pages in the yearbook. Performing well gave me a sense of value and identity that calmed my insecurity and silenced my inner critic for a while (at least until the glory faded or someone else outshined me).

Although I grew up in a Christian home, I hadn’t grasped my identity in Christ or my eternal standing as the beloved daughter of the King of Kings. Instead, I felt a continual compulsion to do more and be more to prove I was worthy of love, admiration, and respect. As long as I could produce something others valued, I knew I’d be accepted.

This perspective began to change during a season away from my usual influences. A stint serving at a Christian camp surrounded by people who loved Jesus opened my eyes to a new reality. My fellow camp counselors cared nothing about my past accomplishments but made me feel seen, loved, and accepted as never before. The Lord used this experience to hit the re-set button on my worldview. At the end of the summer I headed off to the university I’d worked so hard to get into with a new mindset focused on bringing glory to Jesus instead of myself. My drive to accomplish and succeed for my own recognition transformed into a passion to use my gifts, skills, and resources to grow my faith in Jesus and to spur on others.

Graduating four years later, my list of worldly accomplishments was much shorter than in high school, but my love for the Lord had grown beyond measure.

With each season of life since then, I’ve had to remind myself not to focus on recognition, accomplishments and titles, but on following Jesus and serving Him wholeheartedly wherever the Spirit leads. Of course, there have been times I’ve been tempted to slide back into my old ways of thinking– to seek the title or do the shiny thing that will get me noticed, but the Holy Spirit always reminds me to re-set my gaze on Jesus.

The tension I feel between these two mindsets rose to the surface as I read Paul’s admonishment to the Galatians: “Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist. So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world?” (Galatians 4:8-9, NLT)

False teachers had urged the Galatian believers to prove themselves worthy by adopting Jewish religious practices that were no longer relevant. (Specifically, getting circumcised and following all the laws of the old covenant.) The Gentile believers had rejected paganism and accepted Christ, but now the Judaizers were leading them off course. While most of us can’t identify with practicing orthodox Judaism to prove ourselves worthy, it’s likely we all have some aspect of our past that threatens our freedom in Christ. It could come from an old thought pattern like mine, or it could come from another person who is hindering your growth. Perhaps a few moments of prayerful self-reflection would help you consider where you’re tempted to “go back again and become a slave once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world.” Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Guilt: Many of us have come out of faith traditions that include a heavy load of guilt. Do you have a nagging sense that you’re always failing or disappointing God? Do the phrases “I should” or “I feel bad” flow from your mouth on a regular basis? Do you criticize yourself because you’re not doing enough? While the Spirit does convict us of sin and calls us to repentance, He does not burden us with guilt or a nagging sense of failure. As one of my favorite pastors says, “Guilt is not a fruit of the Spirit.” Is guilt keeping you from experiencing true freedom in Christ?

Worldly Mindsets: Our culture shapes how we view circumstances and engage people. Pastor John Mark Comer says we are all being formed by something, it’s just a matter of what. When we put our faith and trust in Jesus, this begins a process of letting Him form us into His image. The tension arises when the way we’re used to functioning clashes with the way of Jesus. When we surrender our lives to Christ, we’re not meant to hold anything back—He wants it all. Everything filters through His perspective: sex, money, career, possessions, etc. Are there worldly ways of thinking and functioning that you struggle to let go?

Self-Sufficiency: We live in an individualistic, self-centered society. Most of us pride ourselves on figuring out how to make things happen and to solve our own problems. And if we can’t find a solution on our own, we always have Google or AI to give us answers. But when we put our faith in Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us. In fact, it’s when we admit our weakness that we are most able to experience God’s strength. Are you prone to slipping back into a mindset of self-sufficiency instead of trusting the Lord? Seek His strength and wisdom first instead of as a last resort.

Showing Well: Whether it’s our physical appearances, our homes, our children, or our social media feeds, most of us prioritize looking good. While there’s nothing wrong with caring for yourself or wanting beautiful surroundings, a continued focus on the exterior often means neglecting deeper things. The struggle to please and impress others can carry over into how we approach church, Bible study, and ministry too. Are you intentional about tending to your heart and character as much as you are exterior appearances?

We all have old patterns of thinking and behaving that enslave us under “weak and useless principles of this world.” Take a few moments to consider what this looks like in your life. Invite the Lord to search your heart, then confess anything He brings to mind and delight in remembering your freedom in Christ.

If you’re struggling with old and unhealthy thought patterns that are hindering you from experiencing freedom in Christ, I highly recommend Every Thought Captive: Calm the Mental Chaos that Keeps you Stuck, Drains Your Hope and Holds You Back  by Kyle Idleman. 

Inspired by Live Free: A Study of Galatians by Elizabeth Woodson, Lifeway, 2025. Follow along by ordering your copy here.

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Freedom by Faith Through Christ

Several years ago, my family took an international trip I had been anticipating for a long time. Assuming the role of travel agent, I spent the months leading up to it researching and booking accommodations and activities as well as scheduling planes, trains, and automobiles. Keeping track of all of our plans required an elaborate spreadsheet that I monitored throughout the trip. With every one of the six stopovers in three different countries, I fretted about schedules, logistics, and whether my family was enjoying the experience. My carefully orchestrated plans could have collapsed like a house of cards with one missed flight or late arrival at a pre-booked activity. Although I’m thankful we took the trip, it was exhausting.

So, a few years later, when we had another opportunity for travel, I tried a different approach. With my family’s blessing, we booked a trip with an active travel company that handled most of what I’d done previously; planning a detailed schedule of activities, transfers, meals, and hotels. I was responsible for booking flights and choosing sleeping accommodations before and after the trip, which took a fraction of the time. More importantly, I was freed to relax and enjoy experiencing new places with my family instead of fretting over logistics.

Now, imagine if I’d booked our trip with the tour company, but then proceeded with researching activities, booking hotels, and coordinating transportation anyway. Why would I be so foolish as to duplicate efforts by doing all that work when someone else was already doing it for me? And how would my family have reacted to me engrossing myself in planning for no good reason? Essentially, this is what Paul asks at the start of Galatians 3. Exasperated, he questions why believers who heard the gospel of grace have turned back to seeking salvation through following the law: “Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross…How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?” (Galatians 3:1 & 3, 4 NLT)

Can you feel his frustration with those he loves? Reading Galatians as a whole, it’s easy to see why. Paul compares living under the law with living by faith in Christ. Under the law we are: not justified (2:16), using human effort (3:3), under a curse (3:10), held prisoners (3:23), observing laborious rituals (4:10), alienated from Christ and fallen away from grace (5:4).

In Christ we are: rescued from the present evil age (1:4), justified by faith (2:16), recipients of the Holy Spirit (3:2), children of Abraham (3:7), redeemed from the curse and blessed (3:14), no longer under supervision of the law (3:25), children of God (3:26), Abraham’s seeds and heirs according to God’s promise (3:29), filled with the Spirit (4:6), set free (5:1), called to be free (5:13), living by the Spirit (5:25).

With all this beautiful truth, it makes no sense to Paul that the Galatians are moving backwards in their faith journey. His letter skips from example to example in an effort to show them their foolishness. Elizabeth Woodson explains that “Paul methodically unfolds his argument against justification by the law”1 using three different examples in Galatians 3.

First, he points to the work of the Holy Spirit, “I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.” (Galatians 3:5, NLT) What Paul emphasizes for them also holds true for us: we can’t “earn” the presence of the Holy Spirit through doing good deeds, we can only receive Him by putting our faith in Christ. The Spirit moves and works through us not when we try harder, but when we surrender and trust in Him. Is there a circumstance in your life that you need to relinquish to the Lord instead of relying on your own effort? If you’re prone to self sufficiency, this may need to be a daily prayer for you.

Next, Paul gets detailed and specific about areas where believers are veering off course. He explains that family heritage is not the source of salvation: “God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.” (Galatians 3:8b-9, NLT) Like the Jewish people, we cannot rely on a legacy of faith from family members for salvation. Similarly, we need to be wary of putting ourselves in spiritually rich environments but failing to pursue God individually. Each person must make a personal decision to accept and follow Christ. Do you siphon spiritual wisdom from others instead of seeking a personal connection with the Lord? Will you bring this to God in prayer and tell Him you want to forge a more personal relationship with Him?

Paul’s last argument focuses on the curse of the law: “But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.’ So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, ‘It is through faith that a righteous person has life.’” (Galatians 3:10-11, NLT) It’s clear we are powerless to follow the law completely, no matter how hard we try. If you’ve ever read the Old Testament, then you know it was impossible for the Jews to follow all the laws too. This is the curse of sin that came upon us in the Garden of Eden described in Genesis 3.

Paul explains that God created the law to provide guardrails for us until the coming of Christ. He made provisions for our sin before we even knew we’d need them. While requirements to adhere to the civil and ceremonial laws laid out in the Old Testament are now obsolete, the moral laws continue to hold relevance for us: “While we are not required to follow them for our salvation, they provide a blueprint for how we can live like Christ. When we follow the moral laws, we are fulfilling our divine purpose to reflect God’s character to the world, loving Him with our heart, souls, and mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves.”2 Do you have a clear sense of how God’s character and how He’s calling you to live? Is it time to refresh your memory of the 10 Commandments in Exodus 20? Prayerfully consider if there are elements of His moral law you’ve disregarded or assumed were no longer applicable in modern times. Thank the Lord for making provision for your sin and ask Him if there’s anywhere you’re not in alignment with His moral laws.

Ending on a positive note, the chapter closes with this hopeful reminder: “Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian. For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” (Galatians 3:24-27, NLT)

Inspired by Live Free: A Study of Galatians by Elizabeth Woodson, Lifeway, 2025. Follow along by ordering your copy here.

Was this forwarded to you? Click here to submit your e-mail and subscribe. You’ll receive future posts automatically in your inbox.

  1. Elizabeth Woodson,Live Free: A Study of Galatians, Lifeway, 2025, 67.
  2. ibid, 95

Astonished

Imagine a person you love deeply to whom you’ve imparted significant wisdom. You’ve had a close relationship and have supported one another through hard times. The bonds between you have been strengthened through shared faith, values, and experiences. This relationship has brought you deep joy and fulfillment and you feel sad when life circumstances cause your close proximity to change. Perhaps you’re picturing a family member who no longer lives under your roof. Or maybe it’s a close friend who’s moved to another city or state.

Despite the distance, you hold them dear and remain in contact. Now, imagine that as time passes, this relationship seems to shift. Issues that you used to view through a similar lens now spark conflict between you. Or maybe the beliefs or values you both embraced seem to be veering in different directions, leaving you disoriented and confused.

Over time, you notice more and more changes in the person you love that cause deep concern. After much prayer, you muster the courage to address what you’re seeing and to remind your loved one of timeless truth you once celebrated together. Gathering your thoughts, you write a letter to share your love for the person and your concern for the choices they’re making that no longer align with the beliefs they once held. It’s not the desire for uniformity that drives you, but a deep love and concern for a person drifting from spiritual freedom back into bondage.

This is the situation Paul faces as he writes to the churches in Galatia to express his deep concern over changes in their beliefs and practices. Paul wastes no time reminding them of his credibility as “an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.” (Galatians 1:1, NIV) He opens his letter by offering grace and peace to smooth the way for the correction to follow.

Unable to contain himself after his initial greeting, Paul expresses dismay for the Galatians’ quickness to turn from God’s grace. “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.” (Galatians 1:6 & 7a, NIV) Forgetting the foundation laid by Paul’s teaching, the Galatians have been thrown into confusion by people “trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1:7c, NIV) He reminds them that the gospel he preached wasn’t made up or created by a man but received “by revelation from Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:12b, NIV)

Earlier Paul says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, NIV) His questions are rhetorical, but they’re worth considering. If you had genuine concerns for a loved one like I described above, would you address them? Would you be blunt and direct in the spirit of “just being honest”? Or perhaps you’d take the passive-aggressive route by making subtle comments in hopes they’d get the hint. Or maybe  you’d just avoid your concerns altogether to keep the illusion of peace.

Recognizing that a fellow believer we love has veered from biblical truth shouldn’t cause us to become aggressive and accusatory or to throw up our hands in defeat. It should cause us to fall on our knees in prayer. Paul’s example shows that a loving response to people who have been thrown into spiritual confusion is to come alongside them, not to abandon them to distorted thinking. Unfortunately, in our culture of instant gratification we’ve forgotten the value of patience or the wisdom of letting a process unfold. We see something concerning and either attack it head on to bring immediate correction or avoid it, withdrawing in quiet disappointment and judgement.

If you’re picturing a specific person right now, perhaps it’s time to commit to prayer. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Do not address your concerns with your loved one on social media, in an e-mail, or text message. Pray for an opportunity to start a conversation.
  • Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal any sin that may be affecting your perspective. Be sure the concern you have is rooted in wanting biblical truth to come to light, not proving you’re “right.”
  • Ask the Lord to increase your compassion for the person’s confusion instead of sparking criticism or judgement over wrong thinking.
  • Pray for wisdom about how to come alongside the person, how to ask good questions, and how to listen well.
  • Pray for the person’s heart to soften and their spiritual eyes to be opened.
  • Pray for patience as you wait to see glimmers of change.
  • Pray for the Lord to place other people in your loved one’s life who will water seeds of faith that have gone dormant or to help them recognize where they’ve gotten off track.

If anything other than love is motivating you to speak, wait and ask the Lord to soften your heart. When you don’t see anything happening, don’t give up praying. Trust that the Lord hears your prayers and is working in His perfect timing.  And if the Spirit prompts you, approach the conversation with curiosity rather than condemnation. Find out where the confusion started and what the root issues are. Don’t try to say all the things at once. Be patient and let the dialogue unfold over time. Listen more than you speak. And when you open your mouth, share gently with authenticity from your heart and authority from the Word of God.

Inspired by Live Free: A Study of Galatians by Elizabeth Woodson, Lifeway, 2025. Follow along by ordering your copy here.

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Reflecting on 2025 Before Launching 2026

Walking in my neighborhood, I spied several families already taking down lights and removing lawn decorations. At home, pine needles shedding from my Christmas tree announce the final days of the “most wonderful time of the year.” The holiday season is coming to a close, but regular life hasn’t kicked back into gear yet for some of us. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past twelve months in preparation for the year ahead. Will you consider joining me in pondering the three questions below before you get swept into the current of 2026?

  1. What shaped your character, faith, and worldview?

I try to be intentional about what I allow into my mind since the things we read, watch, listen to, and experience all affect our mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational health. Here are few inputs that have shaped me positively in 2025:

Bible in a Year:  I always made excuses for not committing to reading the Bible in a year, but in 2025 I gave it a try using a chronological reading plan on the YouVersion app. Instead of going through a devotional book, I started reading Scripture daily on my phone while eating breakfast.  I’d be lying if I didn’t confess a few sections were a bit of a slog, but overall, the experience enhanced my understanding of the Bible’s cohesiveness. Reading it chronologically also brought depth and context to the specific books I studied with groups during the year (Revelation and Matthew).  I benefitted from  my daily reading so much, I’m doing it again in 2026. Want to join me? Studies show that reading the Bible four times or more each week is a key indicator of life transformation.1 Let me know if you’re giving it a try.

Studying Revelation: I’ve always shied away from the last book of the Bible but when my women’s Bible study at church chose Jen Wilkin’s Revelation workbook, I dove in headfirst. Writing blogs about this apocalyptic book for ten weeks felt like being back in college. Despite the challenge, I realized that I’ve been missing out on understanding the whole story of Scripture by avoiding Revelation. With a reliable teacher guiding me and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, even the most intimidating book of the Bible became not only accessible, but inspiring.

Books: A few years ago, a friend gave me Name Above All Names by Alastair Begg and Sinclair Ferguson. Finally making time to read it this year, I see it as a new classic. Examining seven key qualities of Jesus’ identity and ministry helped me to have a clearer picture of who He is and all He has done for us. I also re-read an old classic: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. So many familiar examples we use to explain our faith find their roots in Lewis’ writing. Classic books and older authors sometimes don’t grab our attention the way popular or current ones do, but many newer books just re-package great writers’  ideas. Will you consider reading or listening to at least one classic book this year that will expand your knowledge about the Lord or some aspect of your faith journey?

Practical Podcasts: Among the many I listened to, one that consistently expanded my knowledge and spurred on my faith was Susie Larson Live. Susie’s knowledge of Scripture and desire to bring health and wholeness to her listeners’ minds, bodies, and spirits provide meaningful content and clear action steps.

Now, that you’ve read my answers, consider what shaped your character and worldview this year for better or for worse. What will you add or eliminate for 2026 so that the world shapes you less and the Holy Spirit shapes you more?

2) Where did you see God at work? How did you grow personally and/or spiritually?

In-Person Discipleship: Studying the Bible with small groups of high school girls regularly and mentoring a few college girls one on one showed me the power of consistent connection. Asking the Spirit to use the gifts, wisdom, and knowledge He’s given me has led to relationships that have blessed me beyond measure. I’ve seen that growth happens little by little studying God’s Word together. As relationships deepen, trust grows, and life transformation occurs for everyone involved.

If you’re a mature believer, will you pray and invite the Lord to use you to walk alongside someone younger in faith this year? And if you’re new to faith or just checking things out, will you ask the Lord to lead you to a spiritually mature person who can help you learn and grow?

Stillness and Silence: I am a person of action, but the Lord has reminded me that I need to slow myself to His pace instead of demanding that He move at mine (which is usually faster and involves less patience.) Through slowing down over the holiday season and practicing silence and stillness daily, I experienced some profound moments with the Lord. In one instance, He convicted me of sin, in another He reminded me to seek Him for comfort about a situation I was grieving. During another time of stillness He reminded me that even good things like family and friends can become idols that take His rightful place on the throne of my life. Had I been rushing through the holiday season and using busyness to avoid confronting pain, I would have missed hearing from the Lord.

Fasting: Studying the Gospel of Matthew recently, I was struck by a statement Jesus makes in the Sermon on the Mount: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do…put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting.” (5:16a, 17, 18a) Jesus assumes that His followers fast regularly, and although I’ve practiced it from time to time, this has never been a regular discipline for me. So, in the past few months, I’ve given it a try. Fasting has been a physical way to direct my energy (and angst) when I’m praying for something that feels beyond me. I’m still learning, but it’s been a surprisingly positive experience thus far.

Now, how did you grow personally and/or spiritually in the past year?

3) Where will you focus your energy in 2026?

I want to be used by God to bless others, make disciples, expand His kingdom, and bring Him glory. I want to trust God with the unknowns that lie ahead. I pray the Lord will expand my capacity to receive His Spirit and that He will use my time, resources, and gifts to pour into others and point them toward Him. This year I hope to grow in my understanding of God’s grace and to recognize I am never above needing it. I also hope to re-route some of my unhealthy thought patterns by asking the Lord to help me take my thoughts captive (2 Cor 10:5) and renew my mind (Romans 12:1-2).

Before launching into 2026, take some time to ponder where you’ve been. Reflecting on the past helps us to be more intentional about the future. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8, NIV) Happy New Year!

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  1. “Bible Engagement and ‘The Power of 4’: A Key to Spiritual Growth”, Center for Bible Engagement  

Reactions to the Passion of the King

Throughout the fall I had the privilege of serving with ten other women as part of a teaching team at one of our church’s Bible studies. Each week I sat in the front row beaming as a different woman on our team delivered a powerful message from the Gospel of Matthew in conjunction with our study book: Knowing Jesus as King by Tara Leigh Cobble. All the while, I knew my turn to teach was fast approaching. Each time I thought about it, I’d find my heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. The weightiness of preparing to teach on the crucifixion, resurrection, and Great Commission was significant for me.

Studying chapters 27 & 28 in Matthew’s gospel to prepare, I found myself intrigued by the many people who interacted with Jesus at the end of His life. Though their names and stories are familiar, placing myself in their shoes gave me a surprising glimpse of my own weaknesses and propensity to sin.

Below you’ll find some excerpts from my teaching that explore different reactions to Jesus in the final day of His pre-resurrection life. Each one includes a question for personal reflection that may sting a bit, but is intended to uncover mindsets that may be hindering you from growing deeper in faith.

Judas: Scholars have different theories on why Judas betrayed Jesus. While it seems obvious that money was part of the motivation, I think there may have been a deeper issue. Perhaps Jesus wasn’t meeting whatever expectations Judas had for the Messiah. Like many Jewish people of the time, Judas may have been envisioning a mighty conqueror overthrowing Rome, not a humble servant coming to save souls.

 It’s easy for us to criticize Judas but are you ever disillusioned when God doesn’t respond to your prayers the way you expect or in the timing you want? We may share some of Judas’ tendencies by wanting to mold Jesus into our image of Him. We see examples of this in different attitudes all the time:

  • those who think freedom in Christ means they’re free to do whatever makes them happy rather than understanding they’ve been freed from sin
  • those who want to make Jesus the mascot for their political views
  • those  who pick the words of Jesus that feel good but ignore the teachings that make them uncomfortable.

We all have a tendency to want Jesus to fit our personal agendas at different times. So, let me ask a hard question: How are you tempted to fit Jesus into your kingdom instead of seeking your place in His kingdom?

Pilate: Under Roman rule, the Jews didn’t have the authority to give Jesus the death penalty. Although their main charge against Him was blasphemy, they described Jesus as a rebel who claimed to be a king so that He would be viewed as a threat to Caesar and eligible for death under Roman law.

Pilate believed Jesus was innocent but washed his hands of the situation and satisfied the angry crowd. He was under pressure from his superiors to keep peace in the region, so handing over Jesus was preferable to having a riot. He knew Jesus wasn’t guilty but wasn’t willing to put his career on the line for Him. Do you know people like Pilate who have encountered Jesus but won’t let the truth of who He is disrupt their lives? If a specific face popped in your mind when you read that, pray for that person today instead of losing hope or writing them off. Or if you’re the one who is leery of letting Jesus change your life, will you be honest and admit it to Him in your prayers?

The Crowd: As a gesture of goodwill toward the people at Passover Pilate gives the crowd a choice of letting one prisoner go free: “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him… But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.” (Matthew 27: 17, 18, 20, NIV)

It’s amazing to see how a little manipulation from the chief priests stirs the crowd to turn on Jesus just a few days after hailing Him as the Messiah, shouting “Hosanna,” and waving palm branches when He entered Jerusalem in Matthew 21. Now they’re so caught up with emotions they don’t pause to consider they’re demanding the execution of an innocent man. Stop and think for a moment: How are we like the crowd letting persuasive voices manipulate us and our emotions lead us? It’s easy to fall prey to all sorts of different agendas in our world today with so many inputs from our various electronic devices.

Barabbas: Ironically, Barabbas was guilty of the crime for which Jesus was being accused—he had taken part in a rebellion against Rome. One commentary explains, “The story of Barabbas and his release from condemnation is a remarkable parallel to the story of every believer. We stood guilty before God and deserving of death (Romans 3:23; 6:23a). But then, due to no influence of our own, Jesus was chosen to die in our stead. He, the Innocent One, bore the punishment we rightly deserved. We, like Barabbas, were allowed to go free with no condemnation (Romans 8:1). And Jesus ‘suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God’ (1 Peter 3:18, ESV).* Do you recognize yourself in the person of Barabbas? Understanding the exchange of his life for the life of Jesus gives us an incredible picture of God’s grace. This holds deep relevance for all who call on the name of Jesus as their savior and king.

This Christmas season, consider reading or listening to the Gospel of Matthew paying attention to the ways people react to Jesus. Where do you find yourself in the story? Who do you identify with most? What  might the Lord be asking you to consider so that you can grow as a citizen in His upside kingdom?

To watch my full teaching on Matthew chapters 27 & 28, click here.

Painting in header: “Behold the Man” by Antonio Ciseri, 1871

*”Who was Barabbas in the Bible?” Gotquestions.org, Click here to read full article.

Purpose of the King: Matthew 14-16

Continuing our journey through Matthew, chapters 14-16 include some familiar stories about Jesus and His followers: the devastating beheading of John the Baptist, Jesus feeding crowds of 5000 and 4000, Jesus and Peter walking on the waves during a storm. They also include multiple healings and deep expressions of faith from Gentiles contrasted with hard hearts of the Pharisees.

Chapter 16 includes two significant conversations between Peter and Jesus that show a sharp contrast. First Jesus asks His disciples “Who do people say the son of man is?” They list off a variety of answers: “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” (16:13-14, NIV)

Next, Jesus probes a level deeper: “’But what about you? Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’” (16:15-16, NIV) Jesus affirms Peter’s response: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (16:17-18, NIV)

Tara Leigh Cobble explains, “The rock that the Church would be built on isn’t Peter. It can’t be; Peter is a pebble. The mountain-rock that the Church would be built on was the truth that Peter confessed…While Jesus affirmed Peter’s statement of faith, this moment really wasn’t about Peter at all— it was about King Jesus the Messiah, the Son of Man, the foundation of our faith.”1

Not long after this, Jesus begins explaining that He will suffer at the hands of the chief priest, that He will be killed and then raised back to life. Dismayed, Peter pulls Jesus aside and reprimands Him saying, “Never, Lord…This shall never happen to you!” Jesus responds with a sharp rebuke: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:23, NIV)

The pivot from affirming Peter for his faith to calling him an adversary and a stumbling block highlights Christ’s ultimate purpose. “Jesus was saying that the way of the cross was God’s will, the plan of redemption for all mankind…Peter was inadvertently being used of Satan in thinking he was protecting Jesus…He had not yet grasped Jesus’ true Messianic purpose. Although Peter had just moments before declared Jesus as the Christ, he turned from God’s perspective and viewed the situation from man’s perspective, which brought about the stern rebuke”2

This interaction prompts me to consider when I’m viewing a situation from my perspective instead of God’s. When do I allow a stumbling block to derail me from the Lord’s purposes? When have I become a hindrance for someone else?

Most of us have a natural instinct to protect and comfort those we love, but there are times we insert ourselves where we don’t belong. Instead of helping, we become an impediment to growth.  Here are words of wisdom I’ve gleaned  over the years:

-Don’t steal the struggle. I learned this from a friend and it reminds me that rushing to help/ rescue someone who needs to contend with God can short-circuit their spiritual growth. When a spouse, son, daughter, grandchild or close friend is grappling with something they need to learn and we rush in to fix the situation, we may unintentionally prolong the struggle, prevent learning, or avert them from encountering the Lord personally.

-Don’t over-function. Author and pastor Pete Scezzerro defines this as doing for others what they could and should be doing for themselves.3 Spoon feeding those who have the capacity to hold their own utensils prevents growth. It’s possible we’re taking more ownership for them than we should be and derailing the maturing process.

-Beware of assuming everything painful is bad. Struggles and challenges that we find difficult and want to avoid may be the very tools God uses to refine and transform us. “Great temptations can come from those who love us and seek to protect us. Be cautious of advice from a friend who says, ‘surely God doesn’t want you to face this.’ Often our most difficult temptations come from those who are only trying to protect us from discomfort.”4

-Don’t squelch the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Lisa Chan, wife of pastor Francis Chan, shared this at an event I attended many years ago. In our desire to give comfort and reassure, we offer reasonable explanations instead of letting people grieve their sin and repent. Consider where you’re tempted to excuse sin in yourself or others by rationalizing or aligning with practices in our current culture.

 “If Jesus hadn’t suffered and died, Peter (and we) would have died in his sins…Satan is always trying to get us to leave God out of the picture. Jesus rebuked Peter for this attitude.”5 Let’s pray for discernment to know when people we love need to wrestle with the Lord without our intervention. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if you’re stealing the struggle, over functioning, prioritizing comfort over growth, or squelching spiritual conviction. Whether it’s a stumbling block to you or someone you love, let’s stop trying so hard on our own strength and give it over to the Lord instead.

Matthew’s gospel shows us the disciples didn’t always get it right, but they remained humble and teachable, growing stronger and wiser all the time.  May the same be said of us.

You can follow along with our study by ordering your copy of Tara Leigh Cobble’s Knowing Jesus as King.

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  1. Tara Leigh Cobble, Knowing Jesus as King, Bethany House 2024, 122-123
  2. “Why Did Jesus say to Peter, ‘Get behind me Satan’”, Got Questions.org
  3. Pete Scezzero, “Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast”
  4. NIV Life Application Study Bible, Zondervan, 1988, 1686
  5. ibid

Making Space

The small city of Haarlem in the Netherlands holds the honor of being hometown to Corrie Ten Boom, one of my heroes of the faith. Corrie and her family helped many Jewish people to find safe houses and avoid Nazi death camps during World War 2. If you’re not familiar with her incredible story called The Hiding Place, add it to your must-read list.

Touring the cramped rooms of the Ten Boom’s home, I learned the family hired an architect to design a false wall with a secret door. This is where Jewish houseguests would rush into hiding when authorities came to the house. The wall made Corrie’s already tiny bedroom on the top floor several feet smaller. So, the decision to hide Jews came with a financial cost, caused great inconvenience, and put the family in jeopardy of being arrested. Yet, God’s love and compassion motivated them to take these risks.

Visiting her home and peering through the cut away wall into the famous hiding place fulfilled a desire I’ve carried for many years. Learning about the Ten Boom family’s passion to open their home despite its limited size and considerable risk was both inspiring and convicting. Even before the war, they welcomed a steady stream of visitors to their table, no matter how meager the meal or how cramped the room. Their selfless decisions blessed many lives and stand in stark contrast to the individualism rampant in our culture today. The Ten Boom family personified Paul’s instructions in Romans: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:12-13, NIV)

While there isn’t an exact parallel for us today, there are many ways followers of Jesus can be intentional about making space to show God’s love to others. Here are a few examples:

Physical Space: The Ten Boom family made space for others despite their tiny house. What would it look like for you to practice hospitality? Is there a physical space where you can connect with others regularly– whether it’s at home, work, a favorite coffee shop, or somewhere outside?

Temporal Space: The Ten Boom family made time for others and served them with genuine kindness. Can you create  time for others in your busy schedule? Building in more margin could enable you to be a better listener, to notice needs of others, or to be flexible and gracious with  interruptions.

Relational Space: The Ten Booms had an ever-widening circle of friends and acquaintances. Are you open to welcoming new people into your life? Have you considered there are individuals you don’t yet know who God will use in your life?

Financial Space: The Ten Booms were not wealthy but shared the resources they had with others and experienced great joy because of it. What if you set aside a few dollars monthly in a “generosity fund” and used it only to bless others? How much fun could it be spending God’s money to pay for a single mom’s babysitter or to support a student going on a mission trip? What about donating to a cause that moves you– like fighting human trafficking or providing help for victims of a natural disaster?

Any time we’re intentional about making space for people God places before us, we’re showing His love. Jesus declared “I am the light of the world” in John 8:12. This is the only one of the seven “I am” statements that He also declared over His followers: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

In our individualistic society it’s common to think only of ourselves—our comfort, our convenience, our needs, and our wants. The more resources we have, the more we use them on ourselves. But for followers of Jesus, our purpose is to be lights in the world and to live out the call to love God and love people. We are blessed to be a blessing to others. The provision, comfort, and hope we receive aren’t meant to be hoarded, but shared, which brings to mind a sobering parable of Jesus:

“And he told them this parable: ‘The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’

But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16-21, NIV)

God promises to give us everything we need, so let’s not waste time prioritizing personal comfort that’s temporary when we can be making eternal investments with our time and resources. Consider praying and asking the Lord one way you can make more space in your life to be a light and share His love with a world that desperately needs it.

Want to learn more about the Ten Boom family? Click here.

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A Living Catalog

Keukenhof Holland photo by Marybeth McCullum

Wandering among lush beds of flowering bulbs, I marveled at the variety of colors, textures, shapes, and sizes contained in Keukenhof gardens. Flaming red tulips stood at attention next to golden yellows. Nearby, white tulips with delicate, fringed petals and purple centers swayed in the breeze. Drinking in the sheer beauty of the brief blooming season, we dodged through crowds and around influencers attempting to get the perfect selfie. Designed in 1857 for the grounds of Holland’s Keukenhof Castle, the English landscape style garden has become a national treasure in the Netherlands.

“In 1949 a group of 20 leading flower bulb growers and exporters came up with the plan to use the estate to exhibit spring-flowering bulbs, signaling the birth of Keukenhof as a spring park…Keukenhof is the international and independent showcase for the Dutch floricultural sector, with a special emphasis on flower bulbs. In the space of eight weeks Keukenhof shows what the Dutch floricultural sector has to offer. The park’s focus is on the 7 million spring-flowering bulbs, which allow the 100 participating companies to show their living catalog.”*

Gazing at the beauty of this spring wonderland, I marveled at the creativity of designs in the flowerbeds and surrounding gardens. Each flower had its own unique beauty, but when combined with other varieties, they created incredible works of living art. And, as often happens with me, seeing this natural beauty pointed me back to the Creator of it all and made me think of the gifts He gives His people. Through us, He showcases His beauty. And when we combine with other believers to use our gifts, His glory blooms for all to see. You can find mentions of spiritual gifts in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4. In one of those passages Paul explains:

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work…All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6 & 11, NIV)

Additionally, in Ephesians Paul elaborates on how God gives us gifts to build up the body of Christ, to bring us to unity, to give us knowledge of Christ, and to foster spiritual maturity. And in Romans he describes spiritual gifts like the parts of the human body—each performing a different function, but all combining to accomplish God’s purposes. Together, believers are a dwelling place for God’s Spirit and reveal His presence in the world:

 “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4-5, NIV)

Like Keukenhof’s “living catalog” of flowers, we’re “living stones” showcasing something far more eternal than blooming bulbs. Indwelt by God’s Spirit, we’re called to join together with other believers to embody Jesus. This means submitting to the Lord’s sanctification—the gradual process of becoming more like Christ as we grow in obedience and spiritual maturity.

C.S. Lewis explains in his classic book Mere Christianity, “the question is not what we intended ourselves to be, but what He intended us to be when He made us… We may be content to remain what we call ‘ordinary people’; but He is determined to carry out a quite different plan. To shrink back from that plan is not ‘humility’; it is laziness and cowardice. To submit to it is not conceit or megalomania; it is obedience.”** Lewis’ direct approach may sting at first, but his words should challenge us to consider where we’re stalling spiritually or becoming complacent. Many factors can hold us back from continuing to grow in sanctification and to use our spiritual gifts. Will you prayerfully consider what that might be for you?

Is it lack of knowledge? We’re called to continue growing and learning how to follow Jesus from the moment we receive Him until we meet Him face to face. Part of this means discovering and using our spiritual gifts. Books and assessments can help you narrow down what gifts you may have, but trial and error also show them. When it doesn’t feel like work and you experience true joy, there’s a good chance you’ve discovered one of your gifts. Consider praying and asking the Lord to show you the gifts He’s given you and where you can try them out.

Is it lack of motivation? Sometimes we get comfortable with our level of engagement in the spiritual realm and don’t feel compelled to discover or use our gifts. Whether it’s rooted in fear, complacency, or selfishness, we’d rather be consumers benefitting from others’ gifts than sharing what He’s given us. Falling into this mindset means missing out on the abundant, joyful, fulfilling life God intends for His people. If you’re lacking motivation, consider praying and asking God to re-light a fire in you.

Is it lack of direction? Knowing your gifts but not having an outlet to use them can be frustrating. Serving at church is one way to use them, but it’s not the only one. Start every day inviting the Lord to use your gifts and asking for His Spirit to prompt you. Sometimes obeying God with one small step opens new opportunities to use your gifts and to bless others.

Whether you’re showcasing God’s beauty as a single, radiant tulip or joining with other believers to serve Him, ask the Lord to take what He’s given you and use it to display His glory.