August 11

But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the hope of righteousness. — Gal 5:5 BSB

One of the dangers of religious life is relying on outward rituals. People often think that by performing certain services or ceremonies, they fulfill all religious requirements.

In Jesus’ time, there were those who meticulously followed religious rites, yet Jesus condemned them because their hearts were wrong.

Paul emphasizes that it is not rituals, but a life of faith, that makes one a Christian. “In Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts, but faith working through love.” The question was not whether a person followed Jewish law, but whether they believed in Jesus Christ and lived a life of love.

We need to remember this when we examine our own lives. It’s not about which church we belong to or the rituals we observe, but our inner and outer life.