⁶ As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message. – Galatians 2:6

Our middle school youth group is in the middle of a series called “Upside Down.” This series explore commands from Jesus that are “upside down” from what we as humans would normally expect. For example, Jesus commands us to turn our cheek when struck. This advice is “upside down” from what common sense tells us. Paul in verse 6 of Galatians is also giving us “upside down” wisdom.

Paul knew that in his day there were leaders of high reputation — a type of religious “celebrity.” These celebrities did not overly impress or intimidate Paul. Whatever they were, it made no difference to Paul. This is because God shows favoritism to no man. Even though Paul met with influential and famous Christians a few times, they “added nothing to my message” Paul claims. The leaders in Jerusalem added nothing to the gospel Paul preached or to the apostolic authority he possessed. Paul didn’t wait for someone else to make him a great Christian. He knew that it came down to a personal relationship between himself and Jesus. This isn’t to say that Paul received nothing from others or that no one else could ever bless him; but his Christian life was not built upon what other people did for him.

Two-thousand years later we find ourselves in a similar predicament. We have many religious “celebrities.” Some rely on these mega-Pastors, worship artist, or actress for their spiritual “fix.” But, as Paul said in Galatians, our faith cannot be based on any man or woman. What about your faith? Is your faith reliant on your own spiritual discipline? Is your faith reliant on your own personal relationship with Jesus? Or, is your faith dependent on your spouse, pastor, or friend? God is calling us to him collectively as a church, but he is also calling you to him individually as a daughter or son of God. God wishes to spend quality time with YOU. But quality time with God is not something you can achieve through someone else.

If you find yourself feeling reliant on others for your faith, spend some quiet time with God. The Bible is clear that God does not always speak through famine or earthquake. Often times God communicates in a gentle whisper. It is our responsibility to make time in our busy schedules to hear that whisper and respond.

Amen