Today’s Scripture: Galatians 5:7-12; Psalms 119:30-35
Earlier this year in Wuxi, China, the two front runners in the marathon became confused about the finish line. Instead of making a left turn to face the cameras and complete a smooth finish, they continued running straight, giving the third-place runner the advantage. By the time the two confused runners realized what had happened, it was too late. The third-place runner crossed the finish line first, costing the other two the marathon championship.
The runner in third place didn’t intend anything malicious. He just saw his advantage to cut off the other two from winning.
Unfortunately, in life’s race, some people are intentionally malicious by “cutting in” and getting us off the track of truth. Paul refers to these individuals as agitators who bring confusion. Such people could be ones who challenge our devotion to the Lord, causing us to lower our standards and compromise so we feel accepted. Others could be manipulative leaders or teachers who twist or water down the Truth in order to persuade us to follow them. Some want us to fail spiritually so they feel better about their own shortcomings.
I’m sure we’ve all run into such people. We really need to run away from them. The Psalmist said, “I have chosen the way of truth . . . I run in the path of your commands.”
- Who’s cutting in on you? How can you stay in the path of God’s commands?