James 1:25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
When it comes to laws we don’t usually think of them as bringing us freedom. We typically look at laws as things we are required to do, things that have strict consequences for disobeying. And while true, we can also find freedom in them. By having laws and consequences we have guidelines by which we live and operate, and the same is true of God’s Word.
The consequences for disobeying God’s Word are strict indeed. We have death as the ultimate consequence and punishment for sin, but once we are saved we are redeemed and made new. This does not mean we won’t sin again or have consequences for those choices, but the ultimate punishment is no longer applicable to us because we are His. Disobedience to His laws does interrupt our fellowship with Him, though, and disrupts the righteous life we are trying to live. Therefore, we do need to continue striving to be obedient and adhere to His laws and ways.
The perfect law that James refers to in this verse is God’s Word – His complete and holy guide which reveals His ways to us. It offers us freedom from the bonds of sin that hold us back and keep us from walking in His will for our lives. And the only way to know His laws and to obey them is to be in the Word often, daily, or more. We take His Word and hide it in our hearts so that we can draw upon His strength in times of need and can refute any unlawfulness we encounter throughout our days.
We persevere in studying and obeying His commands. We continuously seek to equip ourselves with the Word and we walk in freedom because of what He has done for us. He took our sin upon Himself, sacrificing His own perfect life to allow us the freedom we have (and usually take for granted).
Spend some time today studying His Word and finding a few truths that give you freedom. Write them down, memorize them, and pull them out throughout your day. Walk obediently, as the free children He has allowed us to be.
Prayer: Lord, Thank You for freedom. Let me hide Your Word in my heart and draw upon it each day as I encounter challenges to my freedom. Amen
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