to mature or not to mature…
As
children, we are governed by the rules of our household. Parents set guidelines and standards in order
to keep their children safe and to lead them in a good direction. The rules are good, but they are also a
reminder of the child’s lack of maturity and ability to choose wisely. When these children reach maturity, they are
able to free choose how they will live, no longer governed by parental
constraints.
Similarly, the laws set forth in
scripture are good and wholesome for setting a positive direction, but if we
come to have faith in Jesus, we do not act on the dictates of rules, laws and
regulations. Rather, having received the
Spirit of God by faith in Jesus, we can now operate in the spirit of the law,
not merely the letter of the law.
The revelation of the Law to the
Jews was not about personal favoritism, but about imparting to a people some
understanding of God’s character and will, so that they would declare to all people the great kindness , mercy
and love of God toward mankind. In this
sense, it was actually a burden of responsibility as well as a guide for
living, because they were entrusted with "privileged information". The Law gives us a window to
God’s heart, and as such, should always receive a Christian’s respect.
Realistically, obeying the
letter of the law is often, in a sense, easier.
You don’t have to think about purpose—you simply act according to
rule. To obey the spirit of the law, you must look deeper, at the purpose behind the law. (See for example, the notes of Galatians
3:15-22). However, there is also greater
freedom of expression and deeper experience of fellowship with God when we aim
to align our heart, soul, and strength with His purposes. For at this point, we are seeking His
heart. The beauty of diversity is set
free in obedience to God’s purposes, because we each have unique expressions of love and obedience.
True faith obeys not merely set
guidelines, but core purposes. True
faith leads to obedience, not merely to avoid punishment, but to love well. And that is maturity!
Read
and Pray: Acts 13:38-41,
Hebrews 5:14, I Corinthians 13, 14:20
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