True Religion

Posted on July 28th, 2006 in Articles

Recently, while studying to preach from the book of Galatians, I came across the following quote:

Let our religion be the religion of the mind, the religion of the heart, the religion of the life, – not a theory of doctrine, however ingenious, or even correct, – not a feeling casually, though it may be strongly, excited, – not an external and ritual service, however simple or however imposing, – not an assumed garb, however splendid, and gracefully worn; but a constituent — the governing-element of our intellectual and moral nature: not speculation – not enthusiasm – not superstition – not formalism – not hypocrisy: not exclusively doctrinal, or experimental, or liturgical, or professional, or practical; but all these in due proportion and degree, – the natural effect of the truth understood, and believed, and loved, ” faith purifying the heart, working by love, and overcoming the world.”

– John Brown, D. D., An Exposition of The Epistle of Paul The Apostle to The Galatians, Banner of Truth, 2001, pp. 362-63.

How often do we tend toward compartmentalization in our lives? We speak in terms of it being “time for work”, of having “family time”, or of the ever famous “me time“. But as Christians we must be ever mindful of the fact that Jesus claims dominion over every area of our lives. He is the One who enables us to work and has blessed us with families. And passages such as Deuteronomy 6:5 (“You e?shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” – ESV) would leave no place for so-called “me time“.

The false teachers who plagued the Galatians churches evidently practiced this idea of compartmentalization, Galatians 6:13. “For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law….” (ESV). And though they compelled the Galatians to be circumcised and follow the ceremonial laws of apostate Judaism they only kept these same laws when it was convenient to their own purposes.

We dare not live such divided lives if we would faithfully follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He rightfully claims sovereignty over every area of life. Therefore if we are to practice a true religion we must live every moment before the Lord and unto His glory. Anything less would be wrong. We dare not be guilty of the hypocrisy of the Judaisers.

Corum Deo!