What Are You Really Looking For?
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 2:4-5 and Matthew 13:45-46
Series: Comments on Galatians
What do you seek? Inner truth through contemplation? Do you really believe the truth somehow resides in you? Do you seek more personal conquests, as if self-reliance will free your soul? Do you seek a slimmer, more confident you, but with brighter, whiter teeth? You do not really imagine that this would be fulfilling.
Yet you seek answers to the dilemma you know yourself to be in: you are trapped with you and need to be more than simply self. Some people join movements. Others collect trophies and plaques for their good deeds or simply for working hard and playing well. Others merely sulk.
Paul gives good direction when he writes about pressing on for the prize (Philippians 3:14). Yet he did not wish to accomplish something. The apostle was not interested in achievement or amassing honors. The prize he sought with his whole life was a person. He sought the kingdom of God — which is Christ. Seek first his kingdom and all of the other things will be added to you too, like attendant pearls strung on a necklace beside a pearl of great worth and ultimate beauty (Matthew 6:33), But if you fail to seek him who is of highest value, your life will end up being only about you.
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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