Galatians 3:3 (1-9) “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”
We are a religious people. We worship ourselves, each other, games, TV, work and when we’re not worshiping a god we’re worshiping no god. I think God made us to worship and so when we’re not worshiping Him we’re worshiping something or someone else. I don’t remember who it was said that there is a God shaped hole in each of us and we’re trying to fill it with anything but Him.
Maybe this is why we are so easily attracted to rituals that make us feel like we’re doing the right thing. But Paul shows us that when Abraham believed there were no rituals to perform for his salvation, just belief, 3:6-9. It’s like belief and then simply following God’s lead is not enough for us.
But what we don’t realize is that you can’t make that which is perfect more perfect, 3:3. Salvation from that judgment to come is obtained only one way, faith, that is trusting God’s word, John 5:24. He has promised those who believe eternal salvation from judgment. After all He is God we should just trust Him to keep His word. Anything we do after that step might be great, but doesn’t make us any more or less saved.
Joyfulness involves keeping our eyes on the promise then living that out right where we are.