“Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” (Galatians 3:24-25 NASB)
Years ago, my husband and I planted several trees in our backyard. These young saplings needed to be supported until their roots were well established. Thus, we staked the trees by attaching them to metal poles with ropes. The trees survived and grew. The next year, when we went to remove the staking, we noticed that some of the trees showed scarring where the ropes had been attached; a few even had bark growing around the ropes. It took a bit of effort, but we took off the stakes and the trees continued to thrive.
Similarly, religious laws, traditions, and rituals can be useful tools that aid those who are not yet anchored in Christ. They provide support while we establish roots in faith. However, many of us rely on religion to permanently hold us up in our relationship with Christ. We become wrapped up in familiar ceremonies and beliefs--substituting church activities and denominational allegiance for faith. Prolonged dependence on religious organizations can constrict spiritual growth. We must learn to trust God alone, seek to know Him and be known. As we send out roots to the deepest parts within our souls, we receive nourishment and stability. Anchored in Christ, we grow tall and straight, mature in faith.
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