While the law (think: Old Testament spirituality and our tendency to live spirituality by rules rather than grace) curses us and speaks judgement over us, it does give us a feeling of control. And we love control. The law gives us a rule we can manage, something we can put our efforts towards and feel good about. But inevitably we will even fail at the laws we usually conquer, and then even that law will speak judgment. Moralism and religion say to try harder, be more committed, longer prayer times and more verses to memorize. Part of us likes this, because we love control.
The thought to relinquishing all control over our standing with God is daunting, yet the gospel demands it. There’s nothing for us to control when God gives us our righteous standing with him through Christ. And beautifully, there’s nothing for us to boast over other than Christ.
But we soon (as the Galatians did) revert back to striving. Again, we form some rules to obey as to feel successful as Christians, and the cycle goes on. Freedom isn’t known until we quit fighting for control over our righteousness, leaving the law behind for good.
so true….but so hard to learn.