James 2:12

New American Standard Version

So speak and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.

Pastor’s Paraphrase

          Everything you say and do should reflect your understanding that being faithful in your obligation to obey God’s laws is what gives you freedom in your life for Him.

 “How does this help me become more like Him?”

          Since we are saved by the grace of God though faith – since it is Christ’s all sufficient sacrifice on the cross that has saved us and not our ability to live in perfect compliance to the laws and precepts of God, what purpose do God’s laws serve?  If they are inadequate to gain salvation and a right relationship with the Father for us, what use do they have in our lives?

          One of the things that my wife and I love to do together is to spend a week on a cruise ship.  We save our money, shop for the very best bargain in the off-peak season to go, and then we enjoy immensely sailing on the ship looking at crystal blue water as far as we can see in every direction.  There is nothing more relaxing and refreshing for us than to walk on the deck of the ship with the ocean breeze blowing in our faces and the blue waters churning below as the ship makes its way through the Caribbean.

          We will sometimes stop our walk and look over the edge of the rail down many feet to the water.  While I love the view, I will admit that the older I have gotten, the more uncomfortable I am with heights and the distance down several decks to the ocean level takes my breath away just a bit.  I would never consider looking over the side to the water straight down below if there were not a rail on the side of the ship.  If there were no rail, I know how easily a slight gust of wind or a slip of the foot could turn me into shark food!  You won’t find me climbing on top of that rail either because it would be tragic and foolish to climb over something that was put there to protect me from danger or even death.

          That is the purpose of God’s law in our lives.  It is not to save us but to keep us from that which our loving Father knows could bring us great harm.  To try to walk on top of the “railing” of God’s law or to leap over it into that which the Father knows is dangerous and harmful would be to disregard a limit put in place by love for our good and protection.  The law was not put there by the Father to keep us from enjoying the good things of life – it was put there to protect us so that we could enjoy them.  To leap over the rail to my demise on a ship would mean that I would never again enjoy the comfort and joys of the journey aboard the cruise ship.  I do not resent the rail – I am grateful that it was put in its proper place for my protection.

          Our Father is the giver of every good and perfect gift – and that includes His laws which will keep us from harm if we will heed them and obey them.  Though the culture may leap over them with glee and mock those of us who won’t, there will come a time for each of them when they land in the waters of consequences or, ultimately, judgment and they will realize how foolish they were and how wise our Father was.  In the loving and leading hands of the Father are safety, freedom, and peace.

“How should I pray for Him to change my life?”

Thank the Father for His love for you and His wisdom in giving us truth to live by that protects us from what we cannot see or understand.  Pray that you would recognize the barriers of protection that He has set forth for your life.  Walk today with joy in the freedom and safety that His truth has provided for you.

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