[You know what to do. Open up your Bible or click the reference above to read online.]
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?
Galatians 4:8-9 NIV
It's a perplexing thing when those who know God turn back to follow the ways of the world.
To know God is to know freedom and peace, love and acceptance, satisfaction and rest. But the things we run after in the flesh, those things enticing by nature that are not gods, they drive us to seek more and more. Yet, they never fill. Their promises of peace and rest, love and acceptance, never come through.
What are the things of the world... the gods that are not gods... enticing you from the One True God? Pursuit of wealth? physical pleasure? relationships? power? prominence? possessions? knowledge? _________________?
Really... what entices you from the One you know who never lies? always loves? never fails?
Me. I'm most prone to fall prey to seeking acceptance from others. Whether it's on a relational level or at work or in ministry. For some reason my flesh longs for the stamp of approval from people.
I fall humbly before the One I know over and over asking for forgiveness for the times I've sought validation from others... longed for someone to say, That's good. When I recognize I'm disrespecting Him for the work He's doing through me. When my flesh longs for human acceptance when I know He's the One at work in me. It's pathetically dishonoring to the God I know. The One who loves me and approves of my obedience to Him no matter what anyone else may think of what I've done. It's a perplexing thing when I see it in myself.
One other thing to consider today, regarding this Word, is whether you do know Him. Because, if you know Him, you will begin to recognize, feel the sting, wonder with perplexity at the times you follow hard after the gods of this world.
Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good.
What they want is to alienate you from us...
Galatians 4:17 NIV
Don't allow yourself to be alienated from the body of Christ for no good.
Seek to know Him better. Strive hard to follow Who you know.
Father God, open my eyes and heart to recognize the gods of this world
I continually turn back to. Make my spirit sensitive to the conviction
of Your Spirit. I do not want to be perplexing to You.
I want to bring You joy!
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