Life is Slippery
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 1:6 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Series: Comments on Galatians
When I was a child, we played “king of the pickup” at Steve’s house. We’d clamber into his Dad’s truck bed and push the other guys over the side to see who was strongest. Evidently that person was not me. Once, when pushed out, I sliced my leg to the bone on the license plate. Maybe it had been raining and I slipped on a wet bumper. I cannot remember that far back but I still have the large scar to remind me of my childish efforts. It was probably Steve who helped me limp home for help. He also helped me home after I fell off of my new English Racer bicycle in front of his house — on a freshly tarred and graveled street…in the rain…on the right side of my face.
Everyone falls. But will there be someone there to help them up and limp on through life? Or will they simply be scoffed at while they are down? Who then will be there for the scoffers when they fall? Let us face facts: life is slippery and we need help. Not only should one walk with caution, he should be able to expect some assistance in getting back on his feet. It is one of the ways we are to imitate God (Ephesians 5:1). If God were not patient with us, we would be, not just in a world of hurt but, in a Hell of hurt.
Love is patient toward the weak. Love is kind to the fallen. It restores them to an upright position toward God. However, it should not be so patient and kind with those who trip and push. The agenda of making others fall so that one appears to be king of the hill must be dealt with quickly and forcefully. Life is slippery enough without “help” from others.
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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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