“As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God. From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.”
Galatians 6:14-17 NLT
Galatians is a letter which truly shows the depths of Paul’s heart and transformation. Under the old way, Paul would have handled what was happening at Galatia very different. As a “Pharisee of Pharisees,” Paul spent much time arguing for religiosity in the grounds of his own merits and accolades. As a Christian, he had to come to grips with the idea that these were comparatively worthless and practically made him into the opposite of who he wanted to be. Now as he faces internal persecution from other prominent figures, it would have been tempting to return to the Pharisaical way of comparing the size of one’s accolades. Instead Paul sets an important example for us by diminishing these in favor of reason, relational appeal and direction to God and his promises and victories. This is a master class in conflict resolution from the top down and all leaders should take heed of Paul’s and complete of resolving conflict within the body. Whether it be between false teachers, or real, there is a way to do this with live and integrity and Paul shows us the equilibrium in bringing God into the conflict.
JOSH McGARY. COM 