Galatians 4: 9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
We all have heard the saying, “if you play with fire you will get burned”. This is what Paul is speaking to. Paul highlights a problem that we all face in life…... backsliding. As you sit a read your Bible, or you find yourself deep in prayer, it is hard to imagine that you might be backsliding, but we all do it. Usually it happens in the heat of the moment, you are upset, so you level the guy that you have the confrontation with. You are in a argument, and switch over to saying anything that will inflict pain, instead of trying to solve the problem. You really want the promotion, so you start to undermine the competition, instead of trusting in God. These are all examples of times that we backslide, we typically realize it, correct it, then move on. However Paul is talking more about getting comfortable, and forgetting the goal. Paul reminds us that the old ways of our old life are always around, and always will be around; and if we give into them we allow ourselves to become enslaved all over again. They say that cigarettes, and heroin are two of the most addictive drugs out there. I would say that sin is a drug that is every bit as addictive. We are all, on some level, recovering sin junkies. Just like that guy who is craving a cigarette, we too experience the craving for the old life; we think of the comfort of the acceptance of the world, or That welcoming embrace from all of your friends that are heading the wrong direction. As a result sometimes we relapse. We act just like the Galatians, and start to head back to our old ways, we go back to our old addictions of sin.
There is help, and there is hope though. There is a replacement for that craving, it is more powerful than methadone, and more effective than any patch, or gum. The hope is found in Christ. That is a treatment that we all need……but we can’t afford to miss a day. We can’t afford to push the events of the day ahead of Christ, and miss our Jesus fix. You know…..the devil does not spend a lot of time messing with the people who don’t care about God, or their souls….he does not have to. He know that he has already won. Ohhhh but those of us who have gone through rehab….those of us who have kicked the sin addiction….well the devil is like a dope pusher banging on the door, hoping that you will falter, hoping that today is the day that you walk out into the world without the armor of God on. He will lie to, cheat, and manipulate you. He is begging for the chance to enslave you once again. You know God, and folks….He knows you! You are counted as one of His children. How could you consider turning back now? Stop in each and everyday, talk to your sponsor, spend time with your big brother. Give the temptation to Christ, and let him deal with the devil. The darkness holds no power beyond what you give it, cast away the shadows with the light of Christ, and enjoy your addiction free life with the Lord.
God Bless,
Brian Thetford
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www.thenewcovenantchurch.com
www.theworkweekwithchrist.blogspot.com
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