A Hard Reality

Scripture – Galatians 4:8-11: ⁸Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. ⁹But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? ¹⁰You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! ¹¹I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.

Reflection: – One of the hard realities to accept is that there are spiritual powers stronger than me. The only power I have is to choose who my master will be. As much as my human nature resists that, it is a fact.

Christ is the one who loves me. He’s the one who sets me free to become the person He’s created me to be. As I let Him be lord – the guiding force and director of my life – I will live a life of fullness and joy. Every day is a new gift, a new adventure. And I expect to find His help and experience His power along the way.

One of Satan’s most effective schemes against us in to instill the idea that we are self-sufficient – that I am in control of my life. Yet the simple fact is I am not. There are powers of darkness far stronger than my will – powers which will master and enslave me. The worst part of it is, I won’t even recognize that.

What concerns influence your behavior? Who is the master of your life? Ultimately, where are you headed?

Reading for Sunday, May 18:

Scripture – Galatians 4:12-16: ¹²I plead with you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. ¹³As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. ¹⁴Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. ¹⁵What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?