The law says, "Thou shalt not..." fill in the blank.
Now if I tell you not to think of a pink elephant, what is the first thing you are going to think of?
A pink elephant, right?
The law only instigates us to do what it prohibits; for that is our sin nature at work...when we are told not to do something, we want to do it.
When we are married to Christ, on the other hand, He gives us a positive commandment..."love other people".
So, what is our first thought in that case?
To love other people.
It is not a negative commandment so we are not inclined to break it.
It is positive, like saying to someone, think of a real elephant...
Now, if I am rebellious I may even try not to think of a real elephant.
But chances are that I am going to think of a real elephant.
Now if I tell you not to think of a pink elephant, what is the first thing you are going to think of?
A pink elephant, right?
The law only instigates us to do what it prohibits; for that is our sin nature at work...when we are told not to do something, we want to do it.
When we are married to Christ, on the other hand, He gives us a positive commandment..."love other people".
So, what is our first thought in that case?
To love other people.
It is not a negative commandment so we are not inclined to break it.
It is positive, like saying to someone, think of a real elephant...
Now, if I am rebellious I may even try not to think of a real elephant.
But chances are that I am going to think of a real elephant.