Galatians: Why Do I Follow the Law?
Ever have that moment when the Bible just becomes this huge mirror that shows you all of the ugly parts of your heart? I mean, that type of conviction that makes you say "ouch" but also makes you all the more grateful that you have been expose to your flaws? That happened to me this morning, and I love it! It humbles me.
As I am still journeying through Galatians (how are ya'll doing with the study so far?), I am really digging deep into God's grace versus the Law. This morning a question in my study bible jumped out at me that stung and made me think:
Do [people] think you live so that God will accept you, or do they know that you live because God has accepted you in Christ?
Like, I literally paused and had to chew on this. When I find myself obeying the Laws, when I find myself choosing not to steal, kill, etc. is it out of response out of my gratefulness for what Christ did on the cross, or is because I think I can earn "cool points" with God. What is my motive? What are my intentions (there goes that word again!).
This thought just popped in my head: I love my husband and I try to do any and all things to make him happy. Now, I know it is a sin to commit adultery. However, I don't not commit adultery because I know it is a sin. I choose to be faithful because I love my husband. This is not to say that because I could one day not feel like loving him that I can now cheat on him, sin is sin. But I'm not driven to remain faithful soley on the fact that it is wrong in God's eyes, but because I also love my Toby that much that I couldn't imagine hurting him and breaking his trust. I mean, how would it sound it if was like, "oh honey, the only reason I'm not cheating on you is because God told me not to." He would be like, "okay... So I am assuming it's not because you love me or respect the sanctity of marriage..." Does that make sense?
When I love God, I want to please Him. I please Him by following His commands (John 14:15). With the right heart. His laws are holy and guidelines for living. But I have to remember that I can't earn salvation by trusting in my keeping the Law, because truthfully, it's literally impossible for me to fulfill them. If I could, what would be the need for Christ? I must trust in Christ for my salvation and for obeying His commands. I have to remember that following God's commandments and doing good deeds is not a prerequisite for salvation, but as a result of it. My good works and keeping the Commandments are fruit (that's Christianeze for proof) of my salvation and the Holy Spirit residing in me.
I could go on and on about what I am learning, but I don't like my posts too long! But what have you guys gotten out of this study on Galatians so far? What is God revealing about your heart?