Hierarchy of importance
by Faye Schmidt
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
As for those who were held in high esteem – whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favouritism – they added nothing to my message (Galatians 2:6).
Read Galatians 1:18–2:10
How often have we heard from others – or even said it ourselves – ‘Who are you to tell me what to do? By what authority? What are your credentials that equip you with the ability to say these things? You are a nobody.’
On the other hand, how often have we also hesitated to say anything based on what people will think? We are concerned about how we are perceived, not how our message is received.
In our text today, we have Paul saying that although there may be people around him who are regarded with high esteem, they make no difference to him. Nor, he states, does God recognise one person above another – he shows no favouritism, nor does he allow anyone’s position to have influence over his message.
With the coming first of television and now social media, there are many famous faces before us who make statements and comments on current affairs, whether political, social or religious. During COVID, we witnessed many occasions on which famous people made statements that others picked up, purely based on who they were, without considering the accuracy of what they said or the authority they held to make such statements. The rise of popularism means that we often look to the person who is speaking and, based on their position, consider what they say as important. The emphasis is on who is speaking – not the message.
Paul is making it quite clear that we are not to be influenced by others, regardless of what position they hold, when it comes to speaking of Jesus and witnessing to our faith. Paul was aware that there were those who were watching him and had the power to hurt him – and they did. He is actually writing this letter to the Galatians from prison.
Our focus must be on the message. We are charged with bringing the good news to all people, making no distinction, and not being influenced along the way to vary that message.
Heavenly Father, send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us in our faith towards you and our love towards one another so that we may always be a witness to your saving grace through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Vic–Tas District Church Board, the General Church Board and currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer and for being open to new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
