There’s a quirk in human psychology researchers call the IKEA effect: we place higher value on things we’ve built ourselves. Even when the shelf wobbles and there are mystery screws left over, we think our flat pack is worth more than a pre-built one, because we made it.
It’s a fascinating finding. It’s also exactly the problem the Galatians had with the gospel. They’d received the finished work of Christ by faith, then quietly reached back for the Allen key. Just a few screws to tighten. Just a little something to add.
In this message from Galatians 3:1–18, Jai unpacks Paul’s passionate response — you foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you? — and flips the IKEA effect on its head. The Jesus effect says: you are valued because of what he built, not what you build. From curse to blessing. Stay at the cross.
Part of the Galatians series at Soul Revival Church.