Which Path?

In the journey of faith, we often find ourselves at a crossroads between two paths: the way of the flesh and the way of the Spirit. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, provides a powerful allegory that illuminates this crucial distinction.

The Two Paths

"For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise." (Galatians 4:22-23, KJV)

This passage introduces us to two contrasting approaches to life:

1. The Way of the Flesh: Represented by Ishmael, born of Hagar the bondwoman.
2. The Way of Faith: Represented by Isaac, born of Sarah the freewoman.

The Deceptive Nature of Fleshly Works

The path of the flesh often appears innocent and natural. It's the way of human effort, of trying to achieve God's promises through our own strength. This approach might seem logical and even praiseworthy in human eyes.

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12, KJV)

However, Paul warns us that this path, despite its apparent ease and normalcy, is not God's ordained way for His children. Actions born of the flesh, no matter how seamless or effortless they may appear, ultimately lead to bondage.

The Danger of Fleshly Works

"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." (Galatians 5:17, KJV)

Works of the flesh, even when they seem good, are rooted in earthly wisdom. James cautions us about such wisdom:

"This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish." (James 3:15, KJV)

What begins as earthly can quickly degenerate into something demonic, ensnaring us in spiritual bondage.

The Freedom of Faith

In contrast, the path of faith—though often more challenging and seemingly less fruitful at first—leads to true freedom.

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1, KJV)

This liberty is not just for ourselves but has the power to impact others as well. When we walk by faith, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, we participate in God's redemptive work in the world.

The Fruitfulness of Faith

The way of faith might initially appear barren or desolate. Sarah, the freewoman, was barren for years before God fulfilled His promise. Yet, in God's perfect timing, this path becomes abundantly fruitful.

"For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband." (Galatians 4:27, KJV)

This fruitfulness is not temporary but eternal, rooted in the unchanging promises of God.

The Conflict and the Victory

Paul notes that there will always be tension between these two approaches:

"But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now." (Galatians 4:29, KJV)

Those walking in the flesh will often oppose and persecute those walking by faith. However, the ultimate victory belongs to those who trust in Christ.

"Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman." (Galatians 4:30, KJV)

Conclusion

As we navigate our Christian walk, let us remember that the path of faith, though sometimes challenging, leads to true freedom and lasting fruit. While the way of the flesh might seem easier or more natural, it ultimately leads to bondage.

Let us heed Paul's exhortation:

"So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free." (Galatians 4:31, KJV)

May we walk in the freedom Christ has won for us, relying not on our own strength, but on the power of the Holy Spirit, producing fruit that will last for eternity.