When you're adopted into God's family, your old ties to Adam and the law are broken. Now you're under a new rule and covenant. As God's child, your primary duty is to obey your heavenly Father. You're not a slave, but a beloved child, bound to follow even the smallest hint of His will.

If He asks you to fulfill a sacred ordinance, you risk disobedience by neglecting it. If He commands you to reflect Jesus's image, isn't it your joy to do so?

When Jesus tells you, "Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect," strive for holiness not because the law demands it, but because your Savior desires it. If He tells you to love each other, do so not because the law says, "Love your neighbor," but because Jesus commands, "If you love me, keep my commandments," and this includes loving one another. When asked to help the poor, do it, not out of obligation, but because Jesus teaches, "Give to him who asks." If the Word says, "Love God with all your heart," say joyfully, "Christ has fulfilled you already—I'm free from fulfilling you for salvation, but I gladly obey because God is my Father, and His claim on me is undeniable." May the Holy Spirit make your heart responsive to Christ's love so that your prayer becomes, "Lead me in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in them." Grace nurtures holiness and never excuses sin.