Freedom!

Galatians 5.22-23
 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Recently ran into an old friend who has become part of a Christian-sect that is demanding adherence to the Old Testament Torah (the Law) as a requirement for those who would be "truly Christian".  It was very painful for me to see this friend decend into the never satisfying abyss that is "striving to impress God".  This age old temptation to "prove" ourselves before God rears its head from time to time in the church...and every time it damages people and hurts the cause of Christ.  I was instantly reminded though, of these amazing words from the apostle Paul (who had every reason to think that if anyone could impress God by their behavior it would be him).  Paul corrects any notion that any of us brings anything of worth before God before, or during our salvation.  Paul knew that no code, no law, no set of performance based "have to's" matters for squat.  What matters is a faithful dependance on what Christ has accomplished on our behalf on the cross and in the resurrection.  Paul was confident that when we place our faith in Christ, we are sealed with God's Spirit...and that this same spirit was more than able to produce in us the good fruit that marks a true disciple.  Press on my friends into the grace of Jesus Christ.  "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus".  You were called by his grace, saved by his grace, and are sustained by his grace.  Live free of the fears of measuring up...live free of "the have to's".  Live free in the grace of our Lord who has accomplished EVERYTHING that was required of every human when the one who knew no sin became sin for us!!  Live free!!!