Scripture
"All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit." --Proverbs 16:2
Observe
We think that we are doing what is right, but God judges our real motivation.Let's talk about the difference between the law and the spirit of the law:
The Law
A "law" is a rule or set of rules established and enforced by a governing body.
In America, our local, state, and federal leaders establish laws for us to follow. We drive within speed limits, stay off of private properties, and refrain from bringing weapons into public places. These laws are intended to protect us and the people around us.
In the same way, the supreme ruler of our universe--God--established certain standards under which His people must live: The 10 Commandments (Exodus 20).
- Worship God
- Do NOT Worship Idols
- Do NOT use God's Name in Vain
- Keep the Sabbath
- Honor Your Parents
- Do NOT Kill
- Do NOT Commit Adultery
- Do NOT Steal
- Do NOT Lie
- Do NOT Covet
The Consequences
When we deviate from any law, there are consequences. Depending on the extent of the crime and the location in which it was committed, penalties range from fines, to jail time, to time in prison, to capital punishment.
Likewise, when we break God's Law, the penalty is death.
However, just like a sympathetic judge may allow the person on trial to do community service instead of going to jail, God knew that we would never be able to live up to his standards. Instead of punishing all sinners with death, He accepted sacrifices for penance.
But people still messed up--all the time--and were far away from the very God who created them.
So, God's son, Jesus, decided to give up His own life as a sacrifice--once and for all. He came to Earth, lived a perfect human life, and died on the cross to cover the sins of every man.
"All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." --Romans 3:23
"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Christ Jesus, our Lord." --Proverbs 6:23
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." --Romans 5:8
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." --John 3:16
Through Jesus, we are no longer bound to the Law. Instead, we have the Spirit of God living in us.
The Spirit
What does the Spirit of God do?
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God DID: Sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.... You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you." --Romans 8:2-4, 9a
God's Spirit teaches us to know the heart of the Father, so we can live out the spirit of the Law.
Imagine this:
I ask you to deliver a present to my mom for Mother's Day, because I have to go out of town on business and am really disappointed I wont be able to be there for her.
You have a choice to respond in one of two ways:
- The Law: You deliver the present, because that is what I asked.
- The SPIRIT of the Law: You know that I really wanted to be there for my mom, so you throw a surprise Mother's Day party for her. You decorate, buy flowers, and set up a Skype date, so we can talk while I'm away.
Apply
In today's verse, it states that the Lord weighs the SPIRIT.We may think that we've done a good job, because we did what was required of us, but God tells us that He looks at our hearts--the motives behind our actions.
Jesus said, "'Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.'
'You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment." But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.... You have heard that it was said, "You shall not commit adultery." But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.'" --Matthew 5:17, 21-22, 27-28
When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to understand the heart of God, and our hearts DESIRE to do God's will.
We no longer desire to sin--not because of the Law, but because of LOVE.
Like David said to God, "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." --Psalm 119:11
Let's remember to spend time in the Word of God and in the presence of God, learning God's heart. To know Him is to know LOVE, and LOVE is the greatest impetus for obedience.
Pray
God, we want our motives to be pure. We don't want to barely scrape by with the minimum; we want to serve you out of LOVE. We thank you that we are no longer subject to the Law but that you have given us Your Spirit. Please give us more of Your Heart, so we can live our lives to please you. Thank you for giving us the desire to do Your Will. Please give us creative ideas to communicate your LOVE to others. We love you! Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment