In our everyday lives, what we regularly look at, listen to, and think about greatly impacts how we think and what we do. After being born again, what we focus on influences our entire perspective on life. We can either focus on sin, or on our righteousness. Focusing on the wrong thing makes us feel guilty and always sin-conscious; focusing on the right thing gives us peace, and a clear conscience.

When the people lived under the Law of Moses, the commandments were all about self-effort, and condemnation for failure to keep them. They were too perfect for imperfect man to keep; their purpose was to point out man’s sin. No man could be justified in God’s sight by the deeds of the law, because by the law is the knowledge of sin. God never meant for man to keep the law, and trying to do so only resulted in sin-consciousness.

The law actually caused people to sin more; the strength of sin was the law. Thankfully, Jesus came and changed everything. The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Whereas the law constantly reminds people of their shortcomings, grace reminds people of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness.

Accepting Christ frees us to enjoy the peace of mind that His grace brings. He’s the end of the law for everyone who believes. We can stop focusing on sin and fearing it, because it no longer has dominion over us. We’re not under the law, but under grace.

Constantly being aware of God’s favor toward us transforms us. The absence of guilt and condemnation makes us want to live godly, righteous lives in this present world and sin less, not more. This is bound to move us in the right direction on our spiritual journey.

Prayer:

Lord, You knew when You gave the law that no one could keep it, so You sent Your Son to replace it with grace. The key to living right is to focus on Christ and what He did, not on ourselves and what we do. Thank You for helping us to keep our mind on Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scriptures:

Galatians 3:19, AMPC

Romans 3:20

1 Corinthians 15:56

John 1:17

Romans 10:4

Romans 6:14

Titus 2:12