My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are contrary to each other, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don’t you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence? Galatians‬ ‭5:16-18 (msg)

So why all the laws in and out of the church? Paul goes on to explain in Galatians 6:12 “They want an easy way to look good before others, lacking the courage to live by a faith that shares Christ’s suffering and death.” 

We hide behind the laws because we lack the courage to trust God enough to let go of ourselves, our ways, our control. We doubt God, but we see that Jesus is in fact Good, so we try to follow Him on our terms; we want an easier way than faith and surrender — we create systems and programs. Praise Jesus, God doesn’t care what we want more than His desire of what is best for us. He refuses to let us settle. In every moment, He is working to raise us up out of ourselves so that we may Live Free in Christ. Trusting.

Take courage friend and know that God is Good! Shout it from the rooftops so others may also be encouraged to live free in Christ!