I have mentioned before that law can creep back into your life so inconspicuously that you don’t notice it until your joy is gone and you are filled with condemnation. Our freedom in Christ is something we must cherish and protect like a precious jewel.
“In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off].” Gal 5:1
Jesus also warned us to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees (by this He was referring to their teaching and what they believed). The Pharisees were meticulous about following the law, and they were quick to judge anyone who did not live according to the same (outward) standards as they did. They believed in future rewards and punishments based on works.
“Jesus said to them, Be careful and on your guard against the leaven (ferment) of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matt 16:6
Only a little bit of leaven is necessary to infect a whole batch of dough (1 Cor 5:6). In the same way, just a little bit of law, and a little bit of relying on yourself to please God can infect your relationship with Him. The condemnation takes away your boldness, which ultimately causes you separate yourself from God (like Adam did when he ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil).
Christ came to set us free (completely and liberally). Let us stand fast in this freedom – running away from any threatening yoke of slavery!
Simplicity, truth and life 