How To Live Without Fearing The Law - Christian Perspectives
Here’s a quote that people often used to say when describing themselves. “I am a law abiding citizen.” Why do we make a statement like that? Because obeying the law is inbred in us. To have a peaceful and orderly society, is there any other way to live? The answer is yes. We can live by God’s grace. When we do, we will live in obedience to God’s Word and we will live without fearing the law.
Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. Galatians 2:18-19
A lot of Christians today don’t understand what living by grace really means. Too many feel a need to come under bondage in some way. Therefore to validate their Christianity, they keep themselves under the law in one way or another.
Living Without Fearing the Law
Let’s look at some laws of today for example, specifically the traffic laws. I don’t need to fear the law if I am doing that which is right. Like driving on the right-hand side of the road and maintaining the proper speed limit.
And if I’m stopping when I am supposed to stop, I don’t have to fear those enforcing the Law. But what if I don’t do the right things? Then I am not only bound by the Law, but also by the consequences of it.
Once when we were on the road as evangelists, we were on a New England highway. The car windows were rolled down and my wife was driving. At the time the boys and I were having fun making animal sounds. Our older son Chris made a real high pitched sound.
Cindy immediately slowed down and asked if we heard a police car? Why was she concerned? She was exceeding the speed limit making her bound by the consequences of breaking the law. We told her the sound she heard was Chris doing the sound of a hyena. We had a good laugh over that.
Living A Christian Life
How do these things apply when living a Christian life? If I am doing what is right, I am not bound by the Law. In fact, God will give me a reward for doing that which is right. The Bible says when I get to heaven I will receive a crown of righteousness.
And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8
Don’t get me wrong, doing right is not what gets us to heaven. The grace of God offers us salvation because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
It is also God’s grace that gives us the desire and ability to do what is right. When that happens we can live without fearing the law. A related post for you to read is How To Continually Rely On The Grace Of God.
Lord, I am looking forward to placing a crown of righteousness at your feet when I get to heaven.
Take time to read Galatians 2
Featured Image Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash
To receive each new devotional post delivered to your inbox, subscribe below by giving us your first name and email address.
