Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

— Galatians 5:25

On our first visit to the Grand Canyon we made our way to the guardrail and peered down to the Colorado River some 5,000 feet below us. Considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is stunning. It can also be dangerous. People who do not follow safety guidelines risk their lives. Over the years many have fallen to their death. Years later we returned to the canyon and safely hiked pathways down to the river and back up again.

God created a world that was good. But there is a right way and a wrong way to use the things of this world. Because of sin, our tendency is to use and experience the things of this world in wrong ways.

God gave us his law to teach us the right way to relate to him and the things of this world. And when the Holy Spirit opens our hearts and minds to understand right from wrong, and we are given the grace to repent of our sin, and the faith to follow Christ, we experience what is called conversion.

For all who are in Christ, God’s law functions like a guardrail and a path. It keeps us from thinking and acting in wrong and sinful ways. When we come to love God’s law rather than resenting it, we know our conversion is genuine and our faith is real.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your law and your grace. Help us to embrace your ways as we seek to honor you in every part of our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.