When certain Jews became Christians in the first century, they brought with them a self-generated arrogance, thinking that they were better Christians because they boasted in their circumcision, their fastings, their denial of certain meats, etc., etc. To these Christians Paul wrote, “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (Gal. 5:26).
Think about that statement for twenty-first century Christians. Is it possible that we could “become conceited” ourselves, thinking that we are better Christians than others for one reason or another? Maybe “I’ve been a Christian longer than you”? Or “I was raised in the church and you weren’t”? Or “I went to such-and-such a school or I was taught by so-and-so preacher”? Guess what that kind of spirit can lead to? “Provoking one another and envying one another.”
Brethren, in Christ we stand on equal footing. We are equally undeserving and equally blessed. May God help us to “stir up love and good works” in each other, as children of the almighty God (Heb. 10:24).