The Divine Link!

It has been said, “You are what you eat.” It has also been said, “You are what you read.” Both expressions imply people tend to become the result of what they take into their life either bodily or intellectually. Perhaps we would agree it’s not possible to become any more than that to which we have linked our life. If this is so, we ought to give that link and its influence serious consideration.

As Paul began his letter to the church at Galatia he stated. . .
“(1) Paul, an apostle -- NOT FROM MEN NOR THROUGH MAN, BUT THROUGH JESUS CHRIST AND GOD THE FATHER, who raised him from the dead.” ( Galatians 1:1 ESV)

Then dropping down to verse eleven we read. . .
“(11) For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is NOT MAN’S GOSPEL. (12) For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I RECEIVED IT THROUGH A REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST.” ( Galatians 1:11-12 ESV)

Paul’s apostleship was not something he assumed for himself, nor was it due to an appointment by men, but rather came “through Jesus Christ and God the Father.” Also his message was not of human origin, but came directly from the Lord. It was through a Divine connection Paul had become what he was, having been transformed from a persecutor of the faith to a proclaimer of it. ( Galatians 1:23) This Divine link to his life and work influenced him to acknowledge how intertwined his existence had become with Christ. ( Galatians 2:20) Nothing Paul did was merely for himself, but was instead for the benefit of others and to the glory of God. Neither his life nor his message were his own, but were Christ’s and that link empowered Paul to honor Christ whether it be through facing life or death. ( Philippians 1:20)

In Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth he acknowledged it was BY THE GRACE OF GOD that he was what he was. ( 1 Corinthians 15:10) As Christians, is this not also true for us? Is our life not also so Divinely linked? This being true, may we, like Paul, humbly seek to honor the Lord regardless of what we face in life as we continue to hold out His message of hope for eternal life. In this way our life will reflect we too have not received “the GRACE OF GOD in vain.” ( 1 Corinthians 15:10 and 2 Corinthians 6:1)

Have a great day MAINTAINING THE LINK THAT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE FOR LIFE NOW AND FOR ETERNITY!
Carl

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