What Wins, Grace or Fear?

Okay, I said I would write more about fear.  But my mind is arguing with itself about, at lease, two other points of interest this morning. So allow me to do a bit of  figure-eight thinking hear.  

My mind is still on the topic of fear.  It is also on the up coming celebration of our American freedom on the 4th of July. 

In the mix is my sermon preparation for this Sunday — June 30th.  Where I will be Talking about freedom.  More specially what the Apostle Paul is writing about in Galatians 5.  And how fear and freedom have gotten mixed up in the minds of God’s children.

What I am thinking is that the behavior, beliefs, and opinions, being displayed among the Galatians; is limiting their freedom.  And attempting to limit the freedom of others; because they are holding tight to the old laws and rules of the Jewish faith.  Only thinking of what is considered ‘proper'; and leaving out the teachings of Jesus.

In other words, they are acting out of fear.  Fear of what might happen  to them if they don’t do what they are suppose to.  Especially, if they don’t strictly follow the required  ritual of circumcision. 

Don't laugh, it was a huge issue then.

In my simple take: they are giving up their God given freedom to earn acceptance from God.  

Yes, that makes no sense. 

Paul is writing about the behavior of people who are acting out of fear. That is people who are making poor decisions, speaking unfortunate words and behaving rudely in order to be seen as best, or better, or superior, or smarter or stronger.  “Righteous” is the word they would have used.

They are putting themselves in a position of defensiveness.  Holding on to old rules, traditions and rituals that have been replace with the promise of grace, forgiveness and unconditional love.

Defending themselves because they don’t want to be seen as weak, or dumb. And so, act out in self-indulgent and arrogance ways; rather than in loving ways. 

Paul strongly announces that that kind of behavior is not freedom; but rather bondage. That they are trapped in their own fear of being exposed as less, or wrong, or unfaithful.

How many of us do the same?