March 22, 2006
Eager and Effortless Ability
"For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love." Galatians 5:5-6
The first time I heard the Canadian Brass perform was in 1977. I had been listening to brass ensemble music for many years. I was intimately familiar with many of the standard baroque brass pieces. As an avid trumpet player, I was aware of the skill it took to play in an ensemble. However, that evening in the concert hall I was astonished as I watched each player perform. They played with such enthusiasm and power, yet there was no evidence whatsoever of any strain or effort. Their ease was an obvious indication of their skill and training.
This is the picture I see as Paul identifies the fallacy of the believer who attempts to live the Christian life by human effort. Perhaps we should say that it is a skill that we must unlearn every day.
"For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love." (NASB)
The New Century Version puts it this way: "But we have the true hope that comes from being made right with God, and by the Spirit we wait eagerly for this hope. When we are in Christ Jesus, it is not important if we are circumcised or not. The important thing is faith—the kind of faith that works through love."
The power of our walk with Christ is found in the work of Christ. No human effort can possibly accomplish a right standing with God. But frequently, we give such attention to our efforts that we become very skilled at returning to the works of the Law. And like the practiced musician, we appear to accomplish much with very little effort - only to find emptiness and frustration. This is because the works of the Law (circumcision) count for nothing.
Lord, may our “eager ability” to live the life of faith be found in the completed work of Christ. And in His work alone. Amen.
Written by Kent R. Oviatt
