The Law of Liberty
James 1:25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (ESV)
Freedom means being able to do whatever you want, whenever you want, right? At least that’s what we thought when we were growing up. But it turns out that there can be no freedom without some boundaries, some rules, some laws.
Jesus came to proclaim release to the captives, sight to the blind, the year of the Lord’s favour. In fact, He said of Himself:
John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (ESV) The Apostle Paul put it this way:
Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free … (ESV)
Great … freedom at last. But how many of us have our slate wiped clean by believing in Jesus, and then go out and do the same thing again, like a criminal released from prison merely to continue in crime? Which is why in that same verse, Paul added …
Galatians 5:1 … stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (ESV)
James, Jesus’ brother, put it this way:
James 1:25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (ESV)
The perfect law of liberty is the Word of God – God speaking His wisdom, His love and His righteousness into our lives. If all we do is listen, not only will we forget what He said but we’ll miss out on the blessing that Jesus came to pour out on us.
But a doer who acts, he (or she) will be blessed in their doing.
So here’s the choice: Continue in your sin and experience the consequences, or receive the Word of God, take it to heart, live it out … and be blessed by the Lord for your obedience. Liberty.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … or you … today.
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