Galatians 3:10 For all who depend on works of the ,as are under a curse; for it is written, “cursed be everyone who does not persevere in doing all the things written in the book of the law.”
Paul is explaining that those who insisted people must follow the law to obtain grace from God are cursed, because no one follows the old law correctly and perfectly. And the old law stated that any fault of the law made the one who faulted cursed. There were ways for those who faulted to be redeemed; through sin or guilt offerings (by animal sacrifices). But the big thing was that the law they kept trying to push required that ALL of its provisions be followed. Not just pick and choose what you wanted to follow. These leaders at this time overlooked small transgressions, and Paul did not.
As we have read in Galatians several times, it is through faith alone that we are saved. God calls us to follow his word. Jesus told us to tend to his sheep. All of the things we do should be to honor God, and not ourselves. By raising a flag, or turning on a neon sign every time we do something Jesus asked us to do, it shows our hearts are removed from God. In Matthew 6, we are told by Jesus not to blow a trumpet when we give alms, but to do so in secret. We are told not to pray loudly on street corners for all to hear, but instead go into our inner room and pray to God in secret. We are told when we fast, to not let ourselves look gloomy nor be negligent in our hygiene. Our Father will see what is hidden and repay us.
Our actions for God must be done with sincere faith- knowing that God will see our works, and will thank us in heaven. And that must be enough. That is the internal faith we need to have. God sees our hearts and knows our intent. What does your heart say about you?
Lord, I know you see my heart. I pray to live by faith. I don’t need others to see me, but to see you. Let my works be true. Make my heart pure.
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