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The Power to Stop God

One result of God having created us with free will is the choice to exercise that will in opposition to what God desires. This is not always done with the specific view that one is in opposition to God. Frequently one can think he is even doing something godly. The Jewish leader in Israel had established traditions that were able to block the power of God (Matt 15:6). This should give pause for every Christian to examine his traditions, practices, and beliefs to see if they are actually in opposition to God.

In writing the Corinthians Paul declares that the “wisdom of words” can make the cross of Christ of none effect (1Cor 1:17). People on Madison Avenue in New York have the reputation of selling everything from toothpaste to automobiles using the “wisdom of words”. There are some preachers who also fashion their speech to increase effectiveness.

It becomes apparent that for those who serve God, substituting their own ideas (even with good intentions) can cause problems.

Mat 17:4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

The Galatians had been talked into following elements of the law. Paul warns them that turning from the grace of God and elevating what they can do makes the cross of Christ on none effect (Gal 5:4). Perhaps this more clearly shows that elevating what we think, do, or say is not so much a contribution as it is a contamination and diverts us from what we could have in Christ.

When it came to traditions, Paul was at the head of the line (Gal 1:14). However, after he came to have the gospel of grace for the gentiles, he saw only value in Christ and the cross (1Cor 2:2). It is human nature to add things as we can see with the example of Peter at the mount of transfiguration. However, the gospel of grace is all about what Jesus did and when we insert our own efforts, we steal from Christ the glory he is due, we start to build a foundation for pride, and quench the work of the Holy Spirit.

It is in this insidious way that our flesh always attempts to assert itself. If we observe Christian traditions that were instituted in addition to what the bible describes as intended for Christians, we may be guilty ourselves of making the cross of Christ of none effect.

It can be beneficial for those who call themselves Christian to examine their Christian practice to determine if there are any fleshly contributions that may be inhibiting what they could have from God.

Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

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