James 2:12 CSB – Speak and act as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom.

“Law of freedom”. When I first read those words I thought they were an oxymoron! You know—phrases with words that, when you think about what they can mean individually, become laughable opposites when put together. (Think “jumbo shrimp”, “only choice”, “random order”, “working vacation”—you get the idea.)

When I think of freedom, the first thing that pops into my mind is freedom to do as I please. Think about it. If I were in prison, every moment of my days and nights would be regulated and have many restrictions. But once I completed my sentence and was released, I would be able to go whichever way I chose and do whatever I’d like along the way. I might just step outside of those prison doors and shout “FREEDOM”!

Of course, even on “the outside” there would be laws to be kept, rules to be followed, laws that exist for everyone’s peace and safety. 

I think that when it comes to the law of freedom, sometimes Christians are guilty of latching onto the “freedom” and tossing the “law”. We know that the law was fulfilled in Christ and so we sometimes act as though because we are His, we can do what we want, think what we want, and say whatever comes into our mind to say. 

I’ve even heard people smooth over their choice to continue in their disobedient lifestyle with “God loves me anyway.” Yes! He does! That will never change! But His love never invites us to a life of freestyle that He knows will put chains of guilt around us and rob us of the peace and joy He gives. He loves us way too much for that.

There are so many times when I choose to do or say or even think thoughts that sadden the heart of my Savior. In those moments I need to choose a more noble, obedient path. James was writing to Christians that he knew were not allowing the Holy Spirit to influence their behavior. (Read James chapter 2, or if you’re really ambitious, read all 5 chapters to see what sorts of things he was addressing.) So he admonished them to speak and act with the understanding that they would one day be accountable for their actions. We will be judged by the law—-the law of freedom. 

So what law of freedom do Christians need to follow? Jesus said the greatest commands were to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. He also told His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34) It is impossible to truly love God and have no regard for obeying Him. Jesus said so. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) 

Lord, mold and shape my heart until it becomes consistently ready to use the liberty I have in Christ to obey Your law of freedom, loving You wholeheartedly and demonstrating Your love to those I interact with. Like the words of the old song, hear my heart say, “Let my life be a love song to Jesus!”