“All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.”

– Galatians 3:10

This is a fabulously encouraging scripture when I apply it exclusively to laws that I don’t want to follow. Whenever somebody suggests that I read more scripture, or attend more church services, or tithe more, or give up a bad habit, I can remind them that following rules does not justify me before God. The righteous will live by faith! The problem arises when I apply this scripture to stuff that I actually want to do.

Living by faith is appealing to people who don’t understand what biblical faith actually is. These folks believe “living by faith” means letting their whims control their lives. They do whatever feels right in the moment without considering anyone else, including God. They don’t think about the consequences of their actions. They are angry to learn their actions HAVE consequences.

Living by faith is difficult. It forces you to alter your behavior so that it pleases God.

Some people who identify as Christians are claiming that women can kill their babies because the law says so. Without apology, they cite Roe v. Wade as justification for destroying a child before it is born. They are “personally opposed” to abortion but they don’t want to force their FAITH on other people. Yet they’re happy to force their LAW on others.

If your beliefs about abortion are determined by the legal system, you are under a curse. Roe v. Wade will not justify you. The court cannot make you righteous. The law doesn’t save anyone.

Those who walk by faith believe that God will work everything out for good, even though the situation seems dire. Faith is trusting God with tragedy, heartache, and fear. Using the law to excuse your faithlessness won’t work. God can tell when your faith is genuine.