Remember when we were young kids and used the phrase “It takes one to know one”. The phrase was typically used in a derogatory manner when another kid called you a name that belittled you. In reality, teaching from a reference of first hand experience is not a bad thing. Jacob was once a manipulator but his nature changed and he became known as Israel. Saul was once known as a hater of those who followed Christ but his nature changed as well and became known as Paul.
Paul had concerns for the Galatians who were reverting back to their old ways of being slaves to the world:
Galatians 4:8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods.
9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?
10 You observe days and months and seasons and years.
11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.
It is my deepest desire that both you and I continue on to our full maturity in Christ and embrace the attributes and responsibilities of being HIS mature Sons walking in the fullness of HIS calling assigned to each of us individually before HE formed us in the womb. Obviously Paul understood that you had the choice to return back to the old ways of being a slave or he would not have been led by the Holy Spirit to pen these words. We must not look back to the old ways of being in slavery to man but look up for our redemption draweth nigh. Paul began the chapter with:
1 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all,
2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.
4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”
7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Are you willing to take on the responsibility of being “master of all”? Don’t let the old man paint a picture of being exalted to a position of entitlement but instead look to be willing to serve all mankind, the true mark of greatness. In the Gospel of John, Jesus spoke:
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
Life is meant to flow from FATHER through you to those you encounter. Can that flow of life overtake their enslavement? Absolutely! Are you willing to lay down your life for your brother and sister who are weak and need hope, encouragement, and tangible results in their lives? Everyone focuses on problems these days but are you seeking solutions which are only found from FATHER? We are to be beacons of life for others, not simply silent, passive, and sitting on the sidelines of life.
Ultimately we are called to be connected with each other, not independent and isolated islands in the sea of humanity. I expect that connection to come together sooner than later. But that connection must be by THE SPIRIT, not by man’s logic and motivation. We must come in true unity as the 153 fish in John 21:11 submitted to the command of Jesus to enter into the net for the nourishment of mankind.
There are those who would turn back to the world’s ways in such a subtle fashion as to not alert others of their decision. Yet there are those who are passionate for Christ willing to lay down their lives (and resources) for the brethren. Which category are you in? Do you look for a reason to give or an excuse to withhold, restrain, and/or maintain separation? Do you constantly dwell on the latest injustice or are you looking for ways to be a greater blessing? Many are called but few are chosen. Each of us can turn back to the ways of Egypt or we can enter into the Promised Land. It is our choice to which path we take. As for me, I am pressing on toward full maturity to FATHER’S call. Come on in, the water’s fine!