Glory Be!

2 Corinthians 3:9-11 “If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!”

One reason this passage is significant is because it admits that the Law of the Torah has its own glory, distinct from the glory of salvation through Jesus.  In the church, there’s often talk about the joy and relief of being saved from a life of rules and regulations, which is understandable – this is one of the cornerstones of the Christian faith. However, it’s also useful to address that grace often goes against our own desire. Sometimes, we want to choose the lesser glory of condemnation over the glory of acceptance.

Legalism provides a sense of control and ownership that Jesus does not grant us. In what ways are your sin or your good works being established as central to your identity?

Today, when you encounter areas of your life where you are prone to dig your heels in instead of yielding, try to put them in perspective, not denying the frustration or joy that they bring, but allowing them to be put in context within the “surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Philippians 3:8)