But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious… how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.” 2 Corinthians 3 7-9
As a parent I understand the need for boundaries with my children. Yet If my relationship with them was reduced to a list of rules that they had to follow it would be a very sad and disappointing journey through life for us all.
When God gave the law he did so not to punish his people but rather to show them their need for intimacy with him. He wanted to demonstrate their weakness when they tried to live in their own strength and bring them to the place where they understood their need for a saviour.
His laws were not bad. In fact they were perfect but they displayed how only a perfect person could keep them and that was his son Jesus.
Today the most freeing thought is exactly this: we no longer need to be perfect. The Lord does not expect it of us. In fact He delights when we take our eyes off ourselves and our own performance and rely on his work.
This ministry of righteousness given to us through Jesus lifts every burden from our hearts. We are free to walk through life confident of his glory in our lives. As we place more and more faith in how perfect he is, we will find that our lives will reflect more of his perfection and glory.