Playing In the Street

Scripture – Galatians 3:23-25: ²³Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. ²⁴So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. ²⁵Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

Reflection: – As children grow up, they are expected to follow some basic rules. They don’t know what’s behind the rules or why they’re in place. They only know they’re supposed to do what their parents tell them.

Part of the task of raising children is helping them understand why, for example, it’s dangerous to play in the street. As they begin to see for themselves that it’s a bad idea, they no longer need direct parental supervision. They learn to make good choices for themselves based on the consequences of those choices.

God’s written law gives me a great and healthy framework for living. While it’s my faith in Christ that gives me the assurance of heaven, I don’t abandon the law. God gave His law to His people to bring order and harmony to life. The law is a gift of love – just as many parental admonitions are. So I remember in Christ I’m freed from the curse of the law. At the same time, I’m also free to obey it. For it’s still risky to play in the street.

How do you live with God’s law? How do you determine how to behave?