Seeking Enslavement

But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? Galatians 4:9 (New American Standard Bible)

Paul was astounded that those who had come to know Christ would seek to place themselves back in the realm of being a slave to the law. At first glance, I can find myself questioning how they could do such a thing. How could they go from the standing of a child to the position of a slave? Who would do that?

If I take this passage of Scripture and see it only as an indictment against the Galatians I fail to let Scripture become applicable to me. I fail to see myself and therefore fail to see change. Scripture is meant to shine the light of truth on me. It is meant to get personal! So where is it getting personal for me today? Right now?

In my 36 years of being a Christian I have never once desired to go back to the way I was before becoming a Christian. In the almost 6 years of being on a journey that led me out of legalism, I have never once desired to return to a performance-based way of living my Christian life. So what is it that I do find myself turning back to? What is it that I desire to be enslaved to all over again? What is it I fail to let go of completely? A relationship with and connection to a former mentor. Like the children of Israel leaving Egypt, I am physically removed but the emotional pull is still present. Like an alcoholic who refuses to abstain completely from alcohol, I find myself still doing things that will allow me a continual taste of her influence and teaching. It is an addiction and a powerful one at that!

Last night, with the help of my accountability partner, I came to see this as much more than an area of addiction. I saw it as competition for who would sit on the throne that rightly belongs to God. I saw my “giving in” moments as testing God much like a child will test the boundaries set by her parents. I saw it as a willful, determination to keep it a part of my life when God has clearly shown me it is off limits. What I saw was not pretty or comfortable but necessary. It was a serious matter and one that required attention, brokenness, repentance, and a fresh commitment to walk in obedience.

This morning, the tears of last night have dried but the determination to follow through with what I prayed is growing! I no longer wish to reserve a place in my heart to that which has been my enslavement to idolatry.

Father, Your mercy, patience, and forgiveness have been and continue to be amazing! Thank you for persistently working to bring me fully to Yourself. Amen.

Painting Pictures of Egypt - Sara Groves
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcIA4Cnj6j4

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16