Galatians 3:4 “Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?”
Our time and experiences are worth something. A former pastor described one of the many reasons to remain married was because of the time invested. To hear that verbalized was shocking. Of course there are valid reasons to get divorced, but if none of those are triggered, then valuing the time invested is a strong reason to remain married. It surprised me because it didn’t sound loving. However, the truth of remaining together because of the investment still stands.
Today’s passage has a similar feel. The Galatians had gone through some persecution. They did so because they were holding true to Christ and the message of the gospel. Both of those are despised by the world and by many.
Paul is placing value on their suffering. What’s it worth? Why was it important? I think of the challenging question, “Who will stand with me?” The masses are being asked will they choose to stand by someone. There is a cost. Some may choose to break alliances if someone took such a stand. That represents a certain amount of suffering. That leader would be grateful for that loyalty. That’s worth something. It demonstrates character. In some sense the leader is indebted to those loyal ones.
Paul is saying that loyalty to the message of the gospel, in this case salvation by grace through faith, is worthy of defending. It may cost us friendships or promotions, but it’s worth it. God will stand my us and reward us for our loyalty. Not to say we are debtors to God, for we were the ones who sinned. However, God will reward us. Jesus says in Mark 10:29,30a “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age…”.
How will the Lord reward us? The ways are endless. Joy and fulness of heart, the privledge of being close with God, He gives us favor and honor, He can give health, He provides opportunities, He can give wealth, He will bless a marriage and provide friends and last, but not least is everlasting life with Him in heaven. He gives back a hundredfold.
The cost was hinted at earlier. Their is a cost of allying ourselves with God. We may lose friendships, jobs, relationships, opportunities and so on. Matthew 7:14 says, “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” We will lose some options. The narrow way restricts. Some are offended by our choices and will avoid us. Look at the apostles in the book of Acts. They met resistance in every town. All died martyrs deaths, except John. God knows and keeps account of our loyalty.
Everyone must make the choice. Many don’t openly reject Him, but softly do so by saying, “Not now”. Matthew 7:13, the verse before the one just referenced says, “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” It’s a sad fact that most don’t choose Him. Some are relatives and coworkers.
Lord, thank You for Your rewards. We are rich to be connected to You. Help us to convince others to join Your team.