Breaking Free from Perfection: Embracing Faith Over Law in Our Spiritual Journey
Guest Post: Juniah Ramirez
1 Kings 1-2; Romans 3; Psalm 129
Romans 3:21-24 ESV
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
Today’s reading was intense! I’m very focused on Romans at the moment; love this book. In Romans Chapter 3, it touches on the Law, a topic I’m passionate about. Despite knowing we don’t live by the Law, many of us are trapped into thinking perfection pleases the Lord. It’s hard! The law has a very real purpose; it acts as a mirror, making us aware of our sinful hearts.
These days, we tend to be more focused on how to be perfect or excel as the best Christians, grocery store managers, spouses, or whatever role you find yourself in – we all strive for that to some degree. I know I don’t live by the law, but I have some tendencies that almost make it feel like I do.
During my online meeting yesterday, someone shared a profound insight that I felt compelled to pass on to you. It resonated with me deeply. In life, we consistently grapple with choices, trying to strike a balance between the demands of the world and our commitment to the kingdom. However, our genuine calling isn’t to juggle both but to only choose the kingdom.
When our focus is solely on the law, we find ourselves diminishing in every aspect of our being. The realization dawns that there’s no liberation in attempting to adhere to a rigid checklist of being a good Christian. Inevitably, we stumble, we sin, we self-criticize, and criticize others, yet remain trapped in a cycle of unhappiness. As my Nana wisely shared, embracing God by listening, regarding, and acknowledging Him leads us into a state of perfect, everlasting freedom. What resonates deeply is her perspective on God’s love—it’s not transactional; rather, it stems from His initial love for us. Friends, this profound truth underscores why He sacrificed Himself for us.
He paid in Blood so that we could be set free from this weight of looking at ourselves; instead, we get to look at Jesus, the perfect example of love and righteousness. Wouldn’t it be great to just live in that?
Deepening Faith: Reflective Journal Prompts
- Reflect on the notion that striving for perfection in various aspects of life, including our spiritual walk, can lead to feelings of inadequacy. How does understanding righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than through law adherence, change your perspective on personal and spiritual growth?
- Consider the statement, “our genuine calling isn’t to juggle both [the demands of the world and our commitment to the kingdom] but to only choose the kingdom.” How can you more actively choose the kingdom in your daily decisions and interactions, prioritizing spiritual values over worldly achievements?
- The law acts as a mirror, revealing our sinful nature. Reflect on a recent situation where you recognized your own shortcomings. How did this awareness affect your relationship with God, and how did His grace help you navigate this realization?
- Discuss a time when you felt trapped by the cycle of trying to be a “good Christian” through your actions alone. How did this impact your joy and freedom in Christ? How does the concept of being justified by His grace as a gift, through faith, liberate you from this cycle?
- My nana’s wisdom highlighted that God’s love is not transactional but stems from His initial love for us. How does this understanding of unconditional love influence your approach to faith, love, and relationships? How can you apply this perspective to how you view yourself and others?
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