The Immigrant

Is the law therefore contrary to God's promises? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would certainly be by the law. But the Scripture has imprisoned everything under sin's power, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed. The law, then, was our guardian until Christ, so that we could be justified by faith. But since that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. – Galatians 3:21-25 HCSB

A young man’s motherland was a dark, chaotic place that could not adequately provide for her children. In the midst of his desperation, he heard of a land called America that was known as the “Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave.” He further heard that everyone there was rich and beautiful. He saw “Baywatch” on a neighbor’s television and it only confirmed what he had heard so he immigrated.

Drunk with the prospect of freedom, giddy with his new-found possibilities, he purchased a car and flew down the highway at one hundred and twenty miles an hour. Very soon he saw the flashing lights of a police car behind him and he pulled over.

“Sir, please step out of the car” said a huge and very angry state trooper.

“I don’t understand.” The young man replied, “What is the problem?”

The trooper explained, “Sir, you were driving at nearly twice the speed limit.”

“But…but…but isn’t this the land of the free? What speed limit? How can you even think of limiting me? I am a citizen of the land of liberty!”

The young man’s error is clear. Freedom is not anarchy. We are free from oppressors and free to attempt great things. However, we are not free to do whatever we like. In order to preserve the freedoms of the community, individuals must still have some of their activities curtailed. For example, some criminals are actually placed in tiny jail cells for the rest of their lives though they remain American citizens.

The Old Testament law was not inherently evil. It was our Guardian. It protected us from our sinful proclivities. When Christ came, He did not abolish the Law. He fulfilled those aspects that were designed to provide a right standing with God. Those who accept His promise of citizenship in the Kingdom are free; free from the oppression of sin, free to explore their new-found power. They are not free to do whatever they like. Ethical, moral communal behavior is still required. As naturalized citizens of Christ’s Kingdom, we will do what’s right without it having to be forced upon us. We are driven to do the same things, not by a code of law, but by love and honor.