The things we focus on have a huge impact on what happens in our daily lives. After getting born again, the most important thing is to renew our minds to the Gospel of Grace. This involves monitoring what we regularly look at, listen to, and think about, which influences how we think and what we do. Focusing on the wrong thing makes us feel guilty and sin-conscious; focusing on the right thing gives us peace and a clear conscience.
The Law of Moses was all about self-effort; failure to keep all the commandments resulted in guilt and sin-consciousness. It was too perfect for imperfect man to keep; its purpose was to point out man’s sin. No man could be justified in God’s sight by the deeds of the law, because by the law is the knowledge of sin. God never meant for man to keep the law; it was given to show us our need for a Savior.
The law caused people to sin more; the strength of sin was the law. Thankfully, Jesus came and changed everything. The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Whereas the law constantly reminds people of their shortcomings, grace reminds people of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness.
A relationship with Christ gives us peace of mind. He’s the end of the law for everyone who believes in Him. We can stop focusing on sin and fearing it because it no longer has dominion over us. We’re not under the law, but under grace.
Constantly being aware of God’s favor toward us transforms us. Grace makes us want to live godly, righteous lives in this present world and sin less, not more. This is bound to move us in the right direction on our spiritual journey.
Prayer:
Lord, You knew when You gave the law that no one could keep it, so You sent Your Son to replace it with grace. The key to living right is to focus on Christ and what He did, not on ourselves and what we do. Thank You for this. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Scriptures:
Galatians 3:19
Romans 3:20
1 Corinthians 15:56
John 1:17
Romans 10:4
Romans 6:14
Titus 2:12