In Galatians 5:9 Paul expressed a simple truth that reveals a very significant spiritual application. “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”
It brings to mind the time Debbie and I purchased a bread making machine. It made great tasting bread so easy to make, I decided to try it a time or two myself. I remember opening the refrigerator to get a small amount of leaven as prescribed by the recipe I was using, dropping the pittance into a full loaf of bread, and waiting for the change. The cover was clear glass, and with a small amount of time the rising of the bread was evident. Any baker (and most others of us) recognize the lesson Paul was sharing with the Galatians.
Leaven corrupts, it changes the nature. If leaven is used to illustrated evil influences, then we understand the Holy Spirit to say that evil influences will corrupt us. It can corrupt all of us! Paul uses that truth to note the leavening influence of the Judaizing teachers who had come into the region of Galatia. Their corrupting influence led him to write, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel…” (1:6).
We too must be aware of the leavening influence of sin. Consider Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” Wise words!
