The Weak Old Ways

Scripture: Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 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? Galatians 4:8-9

Observation: As Paul instructs the church, he mixes his metaphors. He starts by indicating that, as non-believers, people were slaves to those who are not gods. However, if they return to their old ways, they are returning to become slaves to forces (or principles). Paul mixes the idea of being slaves to other people, with returning to ideals. However, this is clearly intentional in describing how the church members in Galatia are being weakened in their faith. The weakening is coming from other people seducing them with their "old ways" of life.

Church members were slaves to the enticements of worldly pleasure as represented by other people. Now they are being seduced back into those behaviors by those same people.

What are the behaviors in question? Based on other passages, at least they are partially the old testament laws, which Paul has argued are not required for salvation by faith for gentiles. However, in this chapter Paul is silent about the "weak and miserable forces" because, frankly, it doesn't matter what they are.

Application: Paul's universal message has always been clear ... salvation is a free gift from God provided by faith in Jesus alone, and once redeemed a believer is a new creation with a new mission, which is belief, faith, and devotion to Jesus Christ through oneness with the Holy Spirit. Regardless of the "old ways" of a person - from obedience with old testament purity laws, to pagan worship, to ambivalence, to sexual immorality, and everything in between - the "new way" is to love one another and obey the teaching of Jesus.

My "old ways" are found in daydreams of fantasy life that remove me from reality. Whether it's living as a medieval knight, or a soccer star, these thoughts take me away from the real world where real people deserve my time. I need to focus my attention on being a follower of Jesus right here, right now, in service to the people around me every day. Everything else is a "weak force" with no value.

Prayer: Lord, please guide me this week in service to you, and by my service to others. May I serve your people, your beloved people that you created in your own image for your purposes here on your earth, as you would have me do. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.