A new creation

You must have heard the phrase "You can't have your cake and eat it". It took me awhile to understand this figure of speech that some call an old English proverb. Yes, I am a little slow sometimes. [smile] Many people like to have it both ways and therefore not have to choose. In fact they feel it will make them look good to all people. In the end you gain nothing. Paul was addressing the Galatians on this very issue.

The followers of Jesus wanted to be at peace with the Jewish leadership of their day and in the process made circumcision a requirement to follow Jesus.

Galatians 6:12
As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

This is going to ruffle some feathers out there, but where does the compromise stop and the persecution for your faith begin? I have no answer. Paul says he suffered much for the gospel as a follower and proclaimer of the gospel.

Galatians 6:17
From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

Whatever your position, Paul is clear. A new creation is more important than the external virtues or actions you take. Are you turned from the ways of the world to follow God?

Galatians 6:14-15
But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Father, let me not boast in my actions. Only the fact that I am a new creation in Jesus Christ as I follow you.

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