Galatians 3-6

Today’s reading in Galatians 3-6 reminds me of my last blog, so let’s pick up where I left off…I ever so sweetly stated that hierarchy is not God’s idea.

As I looked at several definitions of hierarchy, I noticed that they had a lot to do with ranking people one above another, calling those in subordination to others inferior, and talking about controlling people with some form of authority. Some definitions were specifically about religious hierarchy.

We have probably all seen hierarchy at work in church settings. I have even heard so-called pastors say things like they are better than those under them or sheep/people are dumb and need to be told what to do. With attitudes like that it’s not surprising that we see people controlling people. While I agree that chaos is destructive, does it take controlling systems to achieve order?

Galatians 5:18 reminds us that living by the old nature does produce evil results. However, Galatians 5:16 exhorts, “So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit.”

And then in 5:22 and 23 it says, “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

If we treat each other with the above qualities, won’t we have order? The key is the Holy Spirit…controlling us. I’ve found that when the Holy Spirit is in control, I am willingly on board, partly because I can see the wisdom of being gentle rather than being harsh…or having peace over flipping out. I want to love and choose self-control. With God’s powerful Spirit at work in me, I have the desire and ability to live like God wants.

In that situation there is no need for other humans to control me. It’s my relationship with God that makes the difference. And thus hierarchy is unnecessary.

So let’s point people to a transforming relationship with God, encourage hierarchy to die, and live a new life in the Holy Spirit.

Sue

Reading #42 (audio)