Slavery by Deception

Galatians 4: 8-9 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods. Now, however, that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly elemental spirits? How can you want to be enslaved to them again?

Paul was arguing against false teachings that were urging a return to adherence to Jewish laws and customs as the way to attain righteousness.

This scripture has always spoken to the alcoholic in me. In recovery it is common to see people fall back into their addiction after enjoying a period of sobriety. I spent 12 years struggling with sobriety and falling back into the arms of the god of my choosing, alcohol. For a person who recognizes the great gift of freedom that Christ has given us, to watch someone choose anything else is baffling. Unfortunately it is not uncommon in the world outside of recovery either. There are all kinds of pitfalls that are covered over with false promises of freedom, ease, pleasure, success and control. These lies lure us into a lives of confusion, competition and fear. If we are to win the prize it must come at the expense of others, or even ourselves. We settle into meaningless lives that range from mediocre to tragic. This is all done by design by the same force that initially lured us out of trust and freedom and into slavery. The serpent has bait other than a shiny apple these days, so if anything leads us away from the trust and love of faith in Jesus Christ, it has a hook in it.

Father God, please lead me to trust in You no matter what. Amen.