James 2:12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.
At first glance, this verse seems to provide an easy way out of obeying the law since believers live under the law of liberty. Christians are free in Christ and, therefore, not obligated to obey the law. Some early Christians may have thought that, as Paul’s letter to the Galatians indicates. First, however, we must understand what the “law of liberty” is. The law that gives freedom is the law of love. This law provides the highest motivation for obedience. We can obey God’s laws from two directions. One is out of obligation and duty. This is how a slave obeys a master. The law becomes the task master under this perspective. Or, one can obey the law out of desire. This is how a son obeys. The becomes a guide for how one behaves in a love relationship. The law of liberty can only be the law of love. Love is the only way obedience is done through freedom and joy. However, and this is a big however, this puts the need to obey on a higher plane than if obedience is done out of obligation. To love freedom because one wants to is the highest form of freedom. Unfortunately, it seems that few Christians are able to reach that level. When we remain baby Christians, we may see God’s laws in the Bible as a burden to obeyed if we want to get to heaven. We must come to the point of total consecration where the Holy Spirit pours out God’s love into our hearts so that we are filled with love. Love becomes our motivation. Love brings freedom. We obey God because we are in love with God and filled with God’s love. This love makes it so that we do not want to disobey God. This is the highest form of living.
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