God Direction: look in the mirror and turn around and look again.

Ok I agree, the directions sound like a bad dance, but just hear me out. Let’s look at Matthew 5:17-20: “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. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”¹

Jesus says He didn’t come to abolish the Law, but so many people live like He chucked the Law in the waste basket. They think it doesn’t apply to us anymore. But again Jesus says the opposite. He says until heaven and earth disappear not even the smallest letter will disappear from the law. As far as I know we are still living here on earth. Yet people say that adultery is ok as long as they both consent. They say abortion is ok as long as the baby isn’t wanted. They say it's ok to take pens and paper from work and I can talk on the phone with friends or play on the internet, that's not stealing, I've got it coming to me. I don't have to put in my full hours, I can take it easy, I need the money, if I don't get it done I can get overtime. They also say we don’t need to tithe anymore, besides the church will just waste it anyway and our budget is tight. But is that what the law says? Jesus did say the law still applies.

I know, now I’m hitting below the belt, so much for staying away from hot button issues. I want you to know I am talking to me as much as I am talking to anyone. Let’s start over. What is the Law? Yes it is rules we should follow but it is more. The Law is a mirror. It shows us our sins (SOS). It shows us that no matter how hard we try we can’t keep the law perfectly. Does that mean as long as we keep most of it we are ok? Jesus says unless our righteousness (our ability to keep the law) is better than the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law, we will not enter the kingdom of Heaven. Now that’s harsh! I can’t do that, how about you? Should we then just give up? No, there is still hope. Jesus says He fulfilled the law. What does that mean? Because we can’t keep the Law, God sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to keep the law for us and to take our punishment for not keeping it. He died on the cross as a substitute for us. But it doesn’t end there. He also rose from the dead 3 days later triumphant over sin, death, and the devil. Now all who believe are saved by the free gift of grace.

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?² As believers we aren’t sinless, but we should sin less. Faith requires repentance. Repentance isn’t just saying I’m sorry. It is a complete 180 degree turn from who we were. We should be different. The Spirit gives us guidance and points out how to avoid sin.

We don’t try to keep the Law because we have to; we follow the Law because we love Jesus so much we want to please Him. We are filled with love to the point that it spills out to others. We help others who are in need, we don’t get as angry with those who try to push our buttons, and we have more patience. I’m not saying that if you struggle with these you’re not saved. If that was the case, I’m doomed! It is not an overnight process and we will have relapses back to our former selves. That is why it is so important to look in that mirror. The law reminds us of our short comings and our need of a Savior. We can then turn to the Gospel mirror which shows us our Savior (SOS). When we look through both mirrors we can see the whole picture and we will want to follow the guidance of the Spirit.

Let us pray: Father God, I am so sorry for my sins of thought and deed, of what I have done and what I have left undone. Forgive me, help me to resist the temptations, and help me to become who you want me to be. Fill me with Your Spirit and guide me. In Christ’s Name I pray, Amen.

¹The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Mt 5:17-20). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
²The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Ro 6:1-2). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.