"But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience)." James 1:25Referring to the Word as the law of liberty, reminds us of its redemptive power. The love God has for us, revealed by His Word frees us from bondage to sin, which gives way to a righteous obedience (John 8:34, 35, 36). We are able to serve God out of gratitude and love... not out of fear or mere sense of duty. One day it will free us from this world and its corruption; from our fallenness, from our flesh, from temptation, and from the curses of sin.
I believe that those whom serve God out of fear and a mere sense of duty have not fully looked into the mirror of God's Word... they see the bad stuff about themselves and others... but they do not see how Christ has fulfilled the Law while bringing us into His likeness. Our relationship with Christ brings us into this loving obedience that was never achievable before what Christ did. James' reference to one whom perseveres is someone who keeps looking intently into that mirror, seeking for the truth. And so, in this "law of liberty", we are more than hearers of the Word, but doers... and we are blessed by doing so. Amen.
Let's pick up with James verse 1:26 next time.
I love you.
"But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience)." James 1:25
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