The Spirit not The Letter

“But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.” Romans‬ ‭2:29‬ ‭

“The spirit of the law, not the letter of the law.” I said this recently to a friend who told me that it was unlike me to not follow the rules. So this Scripture jumped off the page reminding me of our conversation.

We were talking about work rules when I came the comment; reading the passage I was taken back to to a vision I had of being crushed by the Word. It was only the Spirit that set me free.

Following the letter of the law, making sure I follow the rules, it is very religious thinking. It is also very true for me, I can be pretty black and white when it comes to rules and policies. It is easy for me to fall into legalistic thinking.

I also understand that Christ fulfilled the law and I am called to live by the spirit. The reality is that I can follow all the rules and still miss God. He wants more than a checkbox on a list. He wants my heart. He wants my obedience to be out of the right motive.

Man can see all the checkmarks of the things I have done, but God sees the inward heart and that is what He seeks. The religious leaders gave the appearance of following the rules, but they were far from the Lord in their spirit. I can have man’s praise or God’s; I am not likely to get both often.

Prayer – Lord, teach me to live by your Spirit, to follow the intent of your law not just the tasks of it. I want more of Your Spirit.