Living Water #627

LIVING WATER – EPISODE 627 || 21ST FEBRUARY, 2026

By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah

DO NOT GO BACK

Scripture: Galatians 4:8–9

“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”

When Paul says that people were slaves to “those who by nature are not gods,” he is not suggesting that these gods were truly worthy of worship. The word “gods” is used to describe how people treated them, not what they actually were. Human beings often elevate created things — traditions, fears, material possessions, power, or spiritual substitutes — to the place that belongs only to God. These things are called “gods” because people give them devotion, trust, and obedience, yet in reality they possess no divine nature or saving power. Scripture exposes this deception by reminding us that anything competing with God may control us, but it can never truly sustain or redeem us. Therefore, Paul’s message is a call to recognize the difference between what people worship and what is truly worthy of worship, which is God alone.

1. Life Before Knowing God: The Apostle Paul reminds believers that before knowing God, people lived in bondage to things that were not truly gods;  he is not suggesting that these gods were truly worthy of worship. The word “gods” is used to describe how people treated them, not what they actually were. Humanity was controlled by systems, fears, traditions, and beliefs that appeared powerful but had no true spiritual life. This slavery was not only about idols made of stone; it represented dependence on anything that replaces God’s authority in the human heart. People served what they feared, trusted what they could see, and followed patterns that could never give lasting freedom.

2. The Transformation of Knowing God: Paul then declares a profound transformation: “Now that you know God — or rather are known by God.” Salvation is more than knowledge; it is relationship. To be known by God means to be chosen, accepted, and brought into divine fellowship. God gives identity, purpose, and direction. The believer moves from bondage into sonship, from uncertainty into assurance, and from striving into grace. This new relationship changes not only spiritual life but also how individuals live, lead, and make decisions.

3. The Danger of Going Back: Paul’s concern arises when believers begin turning back to what he calls weak and miserable principles. After experiencing freedom, they returned to systems that demanded effort but produced no life. They replaced grace with performance and relationship with routine. Paul’s question is both loving and urgent: why would anyone return to slavery after experiencing freedom?

4. Multifaceted Application: This warning applies not only to individuals but also to businesses and institutions. An individual may return to old fears, unhealthy dependencies, or habits that once controlled their life. A person saved by grace may begin to rely again on human approval, material success, or anxiety instead of trusting God. Spiritual regression happens when identity shifts away from God toward worldly validation.

Businesses can also fall into “weak principles.” A business founded on integrity and purpose may begin to worship profit above righteousness, competition above character, or growth above ethical responsibility. When success becomes the master instead of God, the organization unknowingly returns to bondage; driven by pressure, fear, and endless striving rather than wisdom and divine guidance.

Institutions, including churches, organizations, and leadership structures, may also drift backward. When systems replace spiritual life, when policies replace compassion, and when tradition replaces obedience to God’s Spirit, institutions become strong outwardly but weak inwardly. They maintain activity but lose spiritual power. Paul’s message reminds institutions that true strength comes not from structure alone but from continual dependence on God.

‘’A clear example of this principle can be seen in Pharaoh’s dream in Genesis. Pharaoh saw seven healthy cows followed by seven thin and weak cows, and the thin cows swallowed the healthy ones. Outwardly, Egypt was a strong and organized nation with systems, leadership, and resources, yet God revealed through the dream that without spiritual insight the entire institution could collapse. Egypt’s structures alone could not protect it from coming famine. It required divine wisdom, which God provided through Joseph. The dream showed that strength based only on appearance, organization, or past success is fragile. An institution may look prosperous like the fat cows, yet if it ignores God’s guidance, hidden weakness can consume visible strength. Egypt was preserved not by its systems but by obedience to God’s revelation. In the same way, churches, organizations, and leadership structures must depend continually on God’s Spirit; otherwise, activity may continue while spiritual vitality quietly disappears.’’

The gospel calls individuals, businesses, and institutions to move forward, not backward. Freedom in Christ means operating from identity, purpose, and divine wisdom. Individuals are called to live in faith, businesses to operate with righteousness and stewardship, and institutions to serve with humility and spiritual sensitivity. Progress in God is always forward growth; deeper trust, greater obedience, and renewed transformation.

God has delivered His people from slavery so they may live in freedom. The past no longer has authority. Old systems, fears, and dependencies must not be rebuilt. Whether in personal life, professional work, or organizational leadership, believers must guard against returning to what God has already broken. True freedom is preserved by remaining rooted in relationship with Him.

Call to Action: Examine your life, your work, and the systems you are part of. Are you moving forward in God, or slowly returning to old patterns? Choose today to stand in the freedom God has given.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for delivering us from bondage and calling us into relationship with You. Help individuals walk in freedom, guide businesses to operate in righteousness, and strengthen institutions to remain faithful to Your purpose. Keep us from returning to weak and empty ways, and lead us forward in Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.