The Weak and Beggarly Elements

“But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 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?” Galatians 4:8-9

I could smell the grease, taste the salt, and feel the fries dissolving in my mouth. As I sat in line at the drive-thru, I had only one thing on my mind: carbs. I'd had a terrible day. I was stressed out, and probably hyped up on caffeine. If I could just get the rush of fat and salt and carbohydrate, all of it would be better.

But my focus was in the wrong place. I like to say I don't eat emotionally, but that's a lie. Not every time I binge it's emotional. Sometimes it is just force of habit. I am guilty, however, of turning to food when I'm stressed or angry or sad. If I can just get the hit of dopamine, it'll all be better.

Food is a liar. It promises to take care of our needs. It says it will boost our mood, quiet the voices in our minds, push out the boredom. It might do that for a brief moment. If we get enough food, that moment will last a little longer. But it never lasts long enough. There is no way for food truly satisfy the longings of our hearts or settle our upset emotions. It can chemically change how we feel, but it will be followed by a sugar crash, an upset stomach, or feelings of guilt.

Turning to food to fix how we feel is wrong. Turning to social media, to alcohol, to other people, all lead ultimately to disappointment. No earthly thing can satisfy. Paul calls these the “weak and beggarly elements.” They are the things we serve as gods before coming and serving the true God. And, sadly, find ourselves serving them, trying to serve two masters, after we have known God.

In the case of the Galatians, the people were turning to the law to save them. The Judaisers had convinced them that they needed to fulfill the old law, and to be circumcised. Only then could they be saved. I may not be looking to food to save my soul and declare me righteous before God, but it still tends to take God's place in my heart. Rather than thinking through and facing my problems, asking for the wisdom God has promised in His word (James 1:5-6), I shove my stress and anger down my throat with French fries and cookies.

It is too easy to forget that we have known and are known by God. Jesus has taken our sins, borne our punishment, and presented us to God covered by His righteousness. We are held in His hand securely. No feelings or circumstances will ever undo that. Whatever emotions or situations feel overwhelming, God is bigger. He has ordained them. He will help us through.

Don't submit to bondage. Don't place yourself under masters that always require more and more and never satisfy. Run to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Turn away from the weak and beggarly elements. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ Jesus has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)