Romans 7:7–8
In the quiet shadows of everyday life, there was a lone man whose housekeeper’s rebellion would ignite a transformation — a tale of rules, rebellion, and a love that changed everything.
This single man once employed a housekeeper and he crafted a list of instructions for her, neatly affixed to the kitchen refrigerator, under the heading of “Rules of This House.” These were the do’s and don’ts of the household, a clear roadmap for harmonious living.
As days turned into weeks, a flicker of dissent began to ignite within the housekeeper’s mind. She pondered, “Who is he to dictate my actions?” Yet, she was gainfully employed by this man, and she had committed herself to upholding these house rules.
Little did she realize that, in her quiet rebellion, she was not living up to her true potential. She would often break these rules when the watchful eyes of her employer were momentarily averted.
Day by day, as she gazed at the list of rules, she came to a profound realization — she was falling short of them, repeatedly and at times, even deliberately.
Some of these rules were foreign to her, for she had lived her life differently in her own household. This experience with the law and its expectations unveiled a deeper truth about herself.
“What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? Far from it! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’ But sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead.” (Romans 7:7–8).
The words of Paul resonate with her inner turmoil.
When he encountered the Ten Commandments, he too felt like an imposter. He recognized that he needed to transform his life in ways he had never contemplated before.
He acknowledged that it wasn’t the law that was flawed; it was his own shortcomings that the law revealed. The law acted as a mirror, reflecting his need for something greater.
God’s standards were higher, demanding more than mere rule-keeping. It beckoned for the love of Christ and a union with Him.
Now, back to our tale: In time, this housekeeper’s heart swelled with love for the man who had set those rules. They became one through marriage, and everything changed. Her love for him became the driving force behind her actions.
She lived for him, and no task seemed too great. Those rules on the kitchen refrigerator no longer felt oppressive. Instead, they were embraced with enthusiasm, delight, and affection, all because of her deep desire to honor her beloved.
This mirrors the transformation from your pre-Christian state to your Christian life. You are now joined in a sacred union with Christ. You serve with a renewed spirit, not out of obligation but out of love and devotion.
The rules of the past are seen through a different lens, for you now live to honor the One you love.
For a devotion on Romans 7:21-25 click here.
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