Water and Oil Don't Mix

Have you ever tried to mix oil and water? Not gonna happen. We saw that in the recent oil spill in the Gulf. The oil washed to the shore. It did not mix with the ocean water. Some things just don't mix. Well, false teaching and the Gospel don't mix either. There is ONE gospel - the gospel of Christ. That's it. That's all you need. Verse 8 of chapter 1 states that not even an angel preaching another gospel is acceptable. In verses 11-16, Paul shared how he knew from experience the zeal that comes from the traditions of men. That zeal for him came from the accolades of man - they thought he was great for killing Christians. We love it when people love us, don't we? But something happens when God separates us from the world. When He calls us "by His grace" (verse 15) a shift happens. In verse 16, Paul says of his experience that "immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood". Man feeds something in us that isn't God. Man feeds the flesh, the "ego". There are times in our lives when we, too, must not confer with flesh and blood. Flesh and blood usually steers us the wrong way. But God, will steer us His way - the right way. Interesting scripture I found the other day. In John 2:23-25, Jesus steered away from flesh and blood. It says that many believed in Him after seeing all the signs he did. But, Jesus, "didn't commit Himself to them, because He knew all men. and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man". You don't need man to affirm you. You are affirmed by God and that's more than good enough! Should we not confer with anyone then? No. The Bible says there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors. Just be sure your counselors are submitted to God, seeking God on your behalf and giving Godly advise based on scripture. Anything else - toss.