Daily Devotion for Lent 2021 - Day 11

Scripture Reading: Galatians 6 (NRSV)

As Paul wraps up his letter today, he reminds us of our accountability to one another.  Those who transgress are not kicked to the curb but rather restored to the community "in a spirit of gentleness."  We see where this particular Fruit of the Spirit comes into play.

But even as we restore those who have fallen short, we must take care not to be tempted ourselves.  This is where faithfulness and self-control from the Fruit of the Spirit enter into the equation.  

As we help one another along the journey of life, I agree with Paul that we do reap what we sow.  

Later Christians saw the dual language that Paul often uses of flesh and spirit and some took it to an extreme.  The gnostic belief that the the spiritual realm was good while the material realm was evil crept into Christianity as it did with other belief systems of the day.  You can see how gnostics found fodder in Paul's theology as he talks about reaping corruption from the flesh and eternal life from the Spirit.  Gnosticism was later declared heretical in early church councils.  The Apostles' Creed states, "I believe in God the Father Almighty, creator (maker) of heaven and earth (emphasis mine)."  Notice this statement of faith includes God's handiwork as both heaven (spirit) and earth (material) which is not gnostic teaching.

Jewish theology prior to this time kept flesh and spirit much more in concordance.  The beginning of life had God forming people from the dust of the ground and breathing life into the human being.  Of course, breath and spirit are the same words in Hebrew.  

A homeless man who knows hunger
feeds the birds and lifts his spirit.

We see Paul making the sharper distinction of flesh and spirit as part of his argument against circumcision as a pointer toward salvation.  Instead, Paul sees Christ as that pointer which naturally leads one to a greater emphasis on the spiritual.

Today, we find that our health may be impacted by spiritual malaise.  At the same time, when we help bear the burdens of others as Paul indicates, this may help our spirits as we tend to the physical needs of others such as hunger and health. 

As Paul indicates to conclude his letter, it is the grace we receive in Christ that help us to achieve the peace we need to stay confident in the faith.

How do you recognize peace in your life?  Peace of mind, spirit and body as they are in harmony, help to influence one another.  Is there an area where you need this peace?

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, we may find our irritation against others defeating our peace. We recognize that this comes when we are stressed by fears or anxieties.  Give us your peace.  Let us rest in your grace.  May we understand the greater melding of flesh and spirit that allows us to restore who we are in Christ.  It is in Christ's name we pray.  Amen.

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All scripture quoted is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.