August 25, 2025

DON’T LET ANYTHING “CUT IN” ON YOUR RACE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom. This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough! I am trusting the Lord to keep you from believing false teachings. God will judge that person, whoever he is, who has been confusing you.”

Galatians 5:7-10 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

The believers in Galatia had started their spiritual journey strong—but something went wrong. They were “running the race so well,” but someone had cut in on them, distracting them from the truth.

Here are three key observations from this passage:

1. These were already followers of Christ

Paul isn’t talking to unbelievers here. His race analogy is addressed to people who had already placed their faith in Jesus. He’s not saying, “Run to be saved.” He’s reminding them they are already in the race because of grace.

When we put our faith in Jesus, God places us in this spiritual race—not because we earned it, but because He called us to it. We run from grace, not for grace. We’re not competing for salvation; we’re living it out.

2. Someone had “cut in” on their race

Paul asks, “Who has held you back?”—a phrase that literally means “Who cut in on you?” In track and field, everyone is assigned a lane. Stepping out of your lane can disqualify you. Even worse, if someone cuts into your lane, they can trip you up and knock you off course.

That’s what the Judaizers were doing. They were cutting in spiritually—distracting and confusing the Galatians by adding legalistic requirements to the message of salvation. Their goal? To cause believers to stumble and question the simplicity of the gospel.

3. A little yeast ruins the whole batch

Paul uses a familiar proverb: “A little yeast spreads through the whole batch of dough.” In Scripture, yeast often represents sin, error, or corrupting influence. Even a small compromise can have a wide and destructive effect.

What started with a seemingly small suggestion — “just be circumcised to complete your faith”—was actually a spiritual infection. The moment you add anything to grace as a requirement for salvation, you no longer have the true gospel.

Salvation is faith in Jesus alone. Not faith plus church attendance. Not faith plus baptism. Not faith plus good behavior. Just Jesus.

Personal Reflection

We must guard our hearts and minds, so we don’t let anything “cut in” on our race. False teaching, spiritual pressure, or even small compromises can sidetrack us if we’re not careful.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me keep my eyes on the race You’ve set before me. Don’t let me be tripped up by distraction, false teaching, or compromise. Keep me grounded in Your grace. May I never add to the simple and beautiful truth of the gospel: that I am saved by faith in Jesus alone. Amen.

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