| | | | Pavlov's Dogs - Galatians 3:2-3 In 1901 the Russian scientist Ivan Pavlov tested his concept of conditioned reflex when examining the rates of salivations among dogs. Pavlov had learned by presenting a buzzer or metronome along with food, the dog will eventually come to associate the sound with food, and would salivate upon the presentation of that sound. This idea of "conditioning" as an automatic form of learning became a key concept in the development of comparative psychology, used extensively today to treat numerous psychological problems. The idea is that people can change by 'reprogramming' their mind with new information.
Believe it or not, some people approach Christianity in this manner: By learning and adhering to a set of rules and principles, they try to become more like Christ. Another way to describe it is legalism! Paul addressed this in his letter to the church at Galatia:
Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. Gal 3:2 (NLT)
Paul's statement provides a stark contrast: When a person obeys a set of rules, there can be a change in behavior through "behavioral modification." The behavior changes, but the person stays the same.
When a person believes the gospel message of Christ, something entirely different happens: The Holy Spirit of God takes up residence in that person, and begins a change in the person from the inside. In this scenario, it isn't just the behavior that changes, it's the person that changes, which brings about a corresponding change in behavior.
What Paul is trying to help us understand if that we cannot improve our position with God one bit by working harder at being good. But as we grow, we think we have to "do more," and "act better." That's why Paul wrote:
How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? Gal 3:3
Our objective isn't to be conditioned to be better Christians, but to learn to allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, changing us more into the image of Christ each day.
"Lord, teach me to be led by your Spirit today."
Pastor Clay | | | | | | | |
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