Romans 7:6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

Some people commit suicide thinking it will release them from whatever circumstances they find unbearable, but they are only half right. In any kind of release, thought must be taken as to what the person or thing is being released to. I’m reminded of stories of animals that are “released into the wild” only to be immediately eaten by a predator. Suicide is a release from this world, perhaps, but after death comes judgment, (Hebrews 9:27) and such people are seldom ready for that. In this case, Paul is speaking of dying to the Law, but that is not to be unfettered in being self-centered. Rather, it is to be free to serve God in the new way of the Spirit. Many people don’t like God’s rules because they don’t want to serve anything but themselves. They don’t realize that attitude benefits no one but the devil, and serves him. Recently there was an incident of pro-abortion people trying to drown out pro-life speeches and singing by chanting “Hail, Satan.” They perhaps had no real grasp of how honest and accurate they were being. By proclaiming a “right” to destroy innocent life, they were indeed serving the one who “comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.” (John 10:10) Paul is not talking about getting rid of the Law to follow our lusts, He’s talking about serving God more perfectly by the indwelling Holy Spirit, rather than by external regulations.

I have struggled with legalism in one way or another most of my life. I have had my times of wanting to ignore all rules, and I’ve paid the price. I’ve dealt with those who seemed to have a rule for everything, and they were quick to squash anyone who didn’t toe the line. I’ve learned that the only way to “die to the law” profitably is to be filled with the Holy Spirit, living to please Him rather than the flesh. When I have tasted the fellowship with the Father that is only possible through Him, I certainly don’t want to quench (1 Thessalonians 5:19) or grieve (Ephesians 4:30) the Holy Spirit! That’s a far more effective motivator than external rules.

Father, thank You once again for Your grace toward me. I have been so slow to learn many of the things You have taught me. Help me be an effective instrument in Your hands for teaching others, so that they won’t have to go through some of the junk I’ve experienced. May I indeed serve You more fully each day, by the presence and power of Your Spirit, so that Your will may be done in and through me for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!