Never say never. That’s a phrase I try to remember because I have seen people say they would never do something, and then down the road that something happens. Even I have said I would never do something and found myself doing it. Sometimes these things we say we won’t do are actually good things, but many times they are bad things. Today’s verse reminds us that we have choices each day, and these choices are either to move toward God or to stray away. Every choice we make is either a way we get closer or a way we get more distant.
In Galatians 1:6, Paul wrote: “I am shocked over how quickly you have strayed away from the One who called you in the grace of Christ. I’m astounded that you now embrace a distorted gospel!” (TPT). Imagine how the people initially felt. They had been on the receiving end of the Gospel. They heard the Good News. They embraced this truth, or so it seemed. They professed Jesus but then something happened to take them off course. Paul notes that this happened quickly. Many times we don’t notice the straying because it’s a slow journey filled with many, many decisions that lead a person away. This gradual travel in the wrong direction is not noticed because the steps are so small. However, for the Galatians, Paul noted that it happened quickly. This quick straying can happen to you or I just the same.
How quickly you have strayed. How did it happen so quickly? Well, they accepted a distorted gospel. We are to build our house on the Rock, right? Jesus Christ should be our foundation. When we have Jesus, we have a strong foundation. But what happens if as we continue to hear the Good News, we have people sharing God’s Word, but they share a skewed version, only part of Scripture, or maybe they even make some changes? What if they add to it, and they claim they have a personal revelation from God? You may be reading this devotion today and say never, never, never. I will never stray away. Be careful. Never say never. Instead, be sure to take the necessary steps to make that a reality. Hold firm to the Truth. Be so immersed with the Word so that you truly know God. Not that you know about God, but that you actually know know God. If you have that kind of relationship with God, you will be able to see the differences between that which is real and that which is distorted. You will be able to grasp the sword and fight off anything that distorts. You will be able to discern the truth from a lie.
It is too easy to be led astray. Each day is another day, another day filled with choices. May your day today be one that finds you quickly running toward God. Let us hold fast to His Truth.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word. Lord, help us to write the Word on our hearts so that we are battle ready. Lord, we know there are people trying to distort Your Word. We know there is a constant fight for us. We thank You for Your protection and Your promises. Lord, help us to stand firm. Lead us to the path that helps us to know You more. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Tania Gutekunst 