Week 7: II Cor. 1-13, Gal. 1-6

     The whole epistle to the church members in Galatia is Paul's effort to get them to see that the Law of Moses no longer holds any significance now that Christ has come. Anytime "the law" is mentioned, it is referring to the law given to the Jews because of their transgression while in the wilderness - a framework of very literal, checkmark-oriented guidelines for their actions and lifestyles. This law was an outwardly measured way to become closer to Christ. What the Jews did not understand, however, was that when Christ came, the higher law was established and the Law of Moses was obsolete. The purpose for which it was introduced was fulfilled. This for some reason was SO HARD for the Jews to accept. In Galatia, there were Judaizers, or church members who were of the opinion that one must first become a member of Judaism and live the Law of Moses, and then convert to Christianity when sufficiently ready.
     In class we discussed situations that occur today in the church itself or in "Mormon culture" that parallel this one. An example was given of the situation that often come up in Sunday school or any church lesson when a discussion is started about something in the gospel that we really don't know anything about. One that always makes me chuckle would be the location/significance of Kolob: not important whatsoever to our salvation or earthly existence, and yet many spend their time postulating and theorizing about it, whether in their personal time or during lessons. Another could be the unnecessary focus some put on the current administrative organization of the Church, or perhaps a particular member of the bishopric or Relief Society presidency in one's ward. Sometimes the issues one has with such situations or persons can lead to personal doubt in the validity of the gospel, which is as pointless as declaring math to be wrong merely because a person solved a problem inaccurately using the methods. The Church is the vehicle by which gospel is spread - the people within it are not perfect. A final example could be treating church membership and "righteousness" as a checklist. Visiting teaching - check. Morning and nightly prayers - check. Going to church - check. This example is particularly parallel to the issues the Galatians were having. As was the Law of Moses in comparison to Christ's higher law, in having a checklist-oriented mindset about the gospel we lose the passion and spirit of living as a true person of faith. There is no righteous desire or true obedience, only faithless action. This simple reality is often lost on people who choose to dwell on a trivial component of the Church.
     The issues that the Galatian members had with letting go of the Law of Moses is a lesson we can apply to current times as members of the church. Treating membership like a checklist defeats the pure purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and it is a habit that anyone can get sucked into. I am consistently blown away with how applicable ancient scripture is to our day. The weaknesses and proclivities of man really haven't changed a bit over these 2000 years since the events within these books transpired, and that's why the scriptures are so AWESOME and so useful!